Why 2026 Could Be a Make-or-Break Year for the Bears 26-Year-Old Cornerback
The 2026 season is nearing, and many teams' starting lineups are becoming a little clearer. However, the Chicago Bears have more questions than answers. The starting offense is dealing with injuries to key players, and the offensive line remains unsettled. Chicago's secondary depth is also being tested, as a majority of the players expected to play key roles are already injured. One of the clearest examples is Kyler Gordon, who has yet to fully practice due to a soft-tissue injury.
The Bears' 26-year-old cornerback has dealt with injuries for the majority of his career. In his four seasons with Chicago, he has played in just 45 games, averaging roughly 11 per season. This past season was the worst, as Gordon was limited to three games. The hole his absence created played a major role in the team's defensive struggles. Chicago hoped the former second-round pick would enter 2026 fully healthy, but he suffered an injury before even reporting to practices. Now, the 26-year-old cornerback may miss the start of the season as he still has not begun to practice. They will certainly play it safe with his return, but they need his talent on the field.
When he is on the field, Gordon has proven to be a strong starter. He has five interceptions and two forced fumbles. The Bears' 26-year-old cornerback also has 214 tackles, helping limit large plays. Chicago has wanted to get faster and more athletic, which is exactly what Gordon offers. The former second-round pick could serve as a nice chess piece to move around the defense, giving defensive coordinator Dennis Allen a unique weapon for 2026. Unfortunately, if he can not get on the field, it's all for nothing.
The 26-year-old cornerback is one of the players who has the most to prove in 2026. His talent is a difference-maker, but if he can not get on the field, then Chicago may start to look at moving on from their former second-round pick. Rookie Malik Muhammad is one of the many players filling in at practice. He has looked pretty solid playing multiple roles in the secondary. There are some weaknesses, as he needs to adapt to the professional level and become more consistent in pass coverage. However, if he continues to grow, then he may take Gordon's starting spot. The Bears are not going to rush any of their players, but the secondary will be a major storyline to follow in 2026.
Gordon is an elite talent, but he lacks one crucial ability: availability. If his body can not hold up, it is hard to see a locked-in role in 2026. When the Bears' 26-year-old cornerback returns to action, he will likely see a solid amount of playing time. If Muhammad plays well, then Gordon will have to showcase his talent to earn back his starting role. However, his ability to play multiple roles could still give him playing time in critical situations. If the 26-year-old is healthy, the Bears will likely rely on him as a versatile piece in the secondary, giving Chicago the flexibility to move him around and create favorable matchups.
