Kyler Gordon’s status has put the Bears in a tricky spot, and that’s why one quiet trade idea keeps popping up: bringing back Reddy Steward.
Gordon has gone from being viewed as a defensive cornerstone to a major question mark over the span of just one long year, and the issue isn’t performance. Soft tissue injuries have altered the path of his career, at least for now, and with training camp approaching, there’s still no clear answer on whether he’ll be able to suit up.
That uncertainty leaves Chicago with a problem to solve in the slot. Josh Blackwell is the most obvious internal name because of everything he brings on special teams and his experience inside.
Cam Lewis and rookie Malik Muhammad are also in the mix. But none of those options feel completely clean if the Bears need a direct answer for Gordon’s spot.
That’s where Steward comes in.
The former Bears fan favorite flashed in a big way during the 2024 preseason, picking off two passes and returning one for a touchdown after going undrafted just months earlier. That run made him a quick favorite in Chicago, and he profiles as a natural slot corner who plays with confidence and isn’t afraid to take calculated risks.
His year in Dallas didn’t produce much success, but the Cowboys’ 2025 defense was historically bad, so it’s hard to separate his play from the mess around him. With little pass rush and shaky coverage help, Steward wasn’t in position to thrive. He’s not as aggressive as Gordon, but his coverage ability and willingness to jump routes should play better in the right environment.
There’s also a practical angle here: Steward already knows the Bears and a number of players in the locker room, and he likely wouldn’t come at a steep price. Dallas is considering rookie first-round pick Caleb Downs in the slot, which could push Steward down the depth chart, and the Cowboys have added other newcomers to the secondary as well. He may not even be a roster lock.
If Chicago waits until after camp and roster cuts, the timing could work against them. Steward would need time to learn Dennis Allen’s system and get comfortable, so a move later on might not help much.
A Day 3 pick swap - maybe a sixth or seventh-rounder - could be enough to get it done. That would give the Bears insurance in the slot and, at the very least, keep some pressure on Gordon as he tries to get healthy. Head coach Ben Johnson has already been less than pleased with Gordon’s inability to stay on the field.
Gordon is still a good player. But if injuries keep controlling the story, the Bears may have to plan as if they can’t count on him. In that case, Steward starts to look like a very sensible fallback.
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