Tyrique Stevenson won the Chicago Bears’ CB2 battle ahead of the 2025 season. He began the season slowly but still started 10 games. The former Miami Hurricanes star suffered a hip injury that sidelined him for two games late in the campaign.
He saw his role diminish upon his return, and coaches benched him in the last game of the regular season despite the 25-year-old being healthy. Stevenson appeared in the team’s two playoff games and finished the year with 54 combined tackles, 12 pass deflections and one interception.
Nashon Wright’s emergence significantly influenced his reduced role. However, Wright signed with the New York Jets on March 12, giving Stevenson a chance to bounce back and prove his worth in 2026.
Chicago Bears Tyrique Stevenson takes the field – Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Chicago Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris praises Tyrique Stevenson
Stevenson has impressed in OTAs, and observers have noticed changes in his demeanor. Bears defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Al Harris expects the 25-year-old to have his best season.
“You know what, I would say this for Riq: the young man that reported last year is so totally different than the young man that’s reporting this year,” Harris told reporters on Thursday. “He’s focused in, he’s locked in.
“The small details, you can just tell by the questions that he’s asking, the small details he’s honing in on, whether it’s his movements, whether it’s, ‘Hey coach, just get me to the ball,’ he’s asking the right questions and he’s staying focused in. Not that he wasn’t doing that, but I just see that level raised this year.”
Chicago’s defense played a key role in reaching the Divisional Round last year. Having a rejuvenated Stevenson will work wonders for the team, and he could carve out a big role under head coach Ben Johnson. He is also in the last year of his contract, which may motivate him even more to perform at his best.
Caleb Williams, Colston Loveland exchange words on social media
Read More
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE