Chicago Bears fans are feeling great about the team's 30-24 win over the New England Patriots in Week 7, but man, oh man. That cornerback room looks awful...again.
Really, one of the biggest silver linings in the cornerback room is Kyler Gordon, who has been a monster over the last two games, with a team-high four sacks. Gordon plays more in the slot, as defensive coordinator Dennis Allen sends him on more blitzes. This conversation is more about how bad the outside cornerbacks are.
Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson have drawn heavy criticism, and the Patriots have continued to criticize them. Johnson was exposed again, allowing multiple easy receptions. Still, Stevenson made a massive pass breakup against Patriots receiver A.J. Brown late in the fourth quarter, and it made the difference again.
The only bright spot on the outside has been rookie fourth-round pick Malik Muhammad, but he left with a toe injury and was seen in a boot, so he missed time. With Muhammad hurt and their two veteran outside corners a disaster, Bears general manager Ryan Poles better start picking up the phone and making some calls for a cornerback.
How bad is Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson for the Bears?
Johnson has remained the Bears' biggest disappointment in 2026. In seven games, he's had two pass deflections and no interceptions. According to Pro Football Reference, he has allowed a 78.6% completion percentage and a passer rating of 130.7; both are career-worst for the two-time Pro Bowler.
Stevenson's numbers aren't as bad, as he has had three pass deflections. He is only allowing a 58.8% completion percentage, but his passer rating allowed is 139 because he's allowing 19.7 yards per reception and three touchdowns.
Muhammad is a fourth-round pick, but he is playing like a guy who should be in the conversation for a starting role. He has had five pass deflections and one interception. He's allowing a 57.1% completion rate and a passer rating of 82.6.
It's an incredibly bad look for the Bears to have their two veterans get outplayed by a rookie like this. Those numbers alone should justify the team doing something.
How often, though, did Bears fans see Stevenson and Johnson look awful on the field? Stevenson made a big pass breakup on Brown, and he played through an injury, so he gets a pass. Johnson couldn't make a tackle on the final Patriots offensive play of the first half that went for a touchdown, so that play pretty much summed up his awful season.
What options are there for the Bears at outside cornerback?
With the cornerbacks we have right now, Johnson or Stevenson will need to be replaced. Muhammad can cover one spot (when he is healthy), but the Bears may need to consider replacing both starting corners seriously.
One top option is Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen. He has allowed a passer rating of 100 and a 55.9% completion percentage. Woolen has also recorded four pass deflections and one forced fumble.
Philly will be big sellers at the trade deadline with their 2-4 record. Woolen is on a one-year deal and would make a good rental before the Bears figure out a long-term corner solution in the offseason. Plus, he's 6-foot-4, which is wild for a cornerback, so that size is attractive enough to make a move.
Another option is Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. Jackson should be good to go by the trade deadline, though, and the Chargers are winless, so they will be sellers, too.
Jackson has a completion percentage of over 66 but a passer rating below 90. He's a guy who can step right in and start right away.
One other option is Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor. This season hasn't been great for Taylor, but he is still decent, allowing a passer rating of 114.1 and a completion percentage of 85.7%.
The Titans have one win so that they will be selling. Also, Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was coached by Taylor early in his career with the New Orleans Saints, so he is a good scheme fit.
Read more: T.J. Edwards' absence from Bears' Week 7 win presented a golden opportunity
Poles has his options if he plays his cards out by making a trade. He shouldn't wait long, though, because the Bears need to act quickly and make sure this problem doesn't carry into December and January.
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