The Chicago Bears’ secondary took its fair share of lumps in 2025, and injuries certainly didn’t help. But beyond the setbacks, the season offered a revealing look at the depth-and the volatility-within the defensive backfield. What unfolded was a mix of unexpected breakout performances and frustrating inconsistencies, especially at the cornerback position.
When starting corners Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon were sidelined, the Bears turned to Tyrique Stevenson and Nahshon Wright to fill the void. Both were thrust into larger roles, and while neither was perfect, Wright emerged as a legitimate playmaker.
In fact, he led the entire NFL in total turnovers created-an eye-popping 10 in all. That included five interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles.
For a player who wasn’t even expected to be a key piece entering the season, Wright made a name for himself as a turnover magnet, giving Chicago’s defense a much-needed spark.
Stevenson’s year, on the other hand, was a rollercoaster. He showed flashes-strong performances against the Cowboys and Raiders stood out-but those moments were overshadowed by a string of underwhelming outings.
By the end of the season, Stevenson had essentially fallen out of the defensive rotation. His stat line over 13 games tells the story: 49 tackles, 10 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one tackle for loss, and a single interception.
Solid numbers on paper, but not enough to lock down his role, especially with the inconsistency in coverage.
And that inconsistency was measurable. According to Pro Football Focus, Stevenson graded out at 64.4-ranking him 52nd out of 114 qualifying cornerbacks.
Not terrible, but not the kind of performance that guarantees job security either. He allowed a career-high 15.5 yards per reception, giving up 512 yards on 33 catches from 57 targets.
That kind of production against him raises questions about whether he can be trusted as a full-time starter moving forward.
What complicates the Bears’ decision is the situation with Wright. He’s expected to command a significant payday in free agency, and that could force Chicago into a tough call.
If Wright returns, Stevenson’s future in Chicago becomes even murkier. But even if Wright walks, Stevenson might not be safe.
His contract situation makes him a potential cap casualty. Cutting him would save the Bears roughly $3.7 million while leaving just over $422K in dead cap-manageable numbers for a team looking to reshape its secondary.
Bottom line: the Bears have some big decisions looming in the defensive backfield. Wright’s emergence adds intrigue, while Stevenson’s uneven year puts his spot in jeopardy. With financial flexibility and a desire to improve on last year’s defensive performance, don’t be surprised if Chicago makes some bold moves in the secondary this offseason.