Latest news with #TyriqueStevenson
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Bears' Coaching Changes Seem Timely For Tyrique Stevenson
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 27: Noah Brown #85 of the Washington Commanders looks on as a hail mary ... More pass attempt against the Chicago Bears is tipped during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by) Tyrique Stevenson is getting a fresh start from the Bears' new coaching staff. But neither Ben Johnson nor anyone else is promising the third-year cornerback that he'll be the starter opposite Jaylon Johnson when the season rolls around. Training camp and the three-game exhibition schedule will be huge for Stevenson as he attempts to put his Hail Mary embarrassment behind him. Terell Smith and rookie Zah Frazier are set to step in if Stevenson can't regain the strut — and ability to defend in man-to-man coverages — he had after returning an interception for a touchdown in the 2024 opener. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was the biggest addition in a flurry of hires by Johnson and General Manager Ryan Poles. The former Saints and Raiders head coach is regarded as something of a savant, known for both his intelligence and his ability to teach. He will be keeping a close eye on the secondary, with the immediate concerns being safety Jaquan Brisker's return from concussions and Stevenson's play at cornerback. It would be one thing if Stevenson's lapse on the game-ending play in Washington was an isolated mistake. But the former Miami and Georgia standout has been more inconsistent than the Bears hoped after Poles traded up to get him in the 2023 draft. Stevenson started 16 games as a rookie and overall has started 30 of 32 games in the NFL. While his first season was similar to Johnson's 2020 season — after the Bears selected him in the second round from Utah — he did not take a step forward in his second season. Pro Football Focus ranked Stevenson 80th among qualifying cornerbacks in '23 and 83rd last season. He likely suffered from a sense of uncertainty playing under two head coaches and defensive coordinators in those seasons, and is looking to quickly become grounded in Allen's defense, which generally emphasizes press coverage on outside targets. 'It's mano a mano,' Stevenson told reporters during a June mini-camp. 'I'm going to show you I've been working and I'm better than you. I feel like that can take a lot of guessing out of the game for the corners.' More than anything else, Stevenson must like that all the reminders of the Hail Mary play — a tipping point for the 5-12 season — come from fans and media. 'Clean slate from here on out,' new defensive backs coach Al Harris said. Matt Eberflus benched Stevenson for the start of the next game following the 18-15 loss. Stevenson's taunting fans when he should have been lining up for the certain Hail Mary stayed in the spotlight when Eberflus was fired midway through a 10-game losing streak that turned a 4-2 start into empty calories. But Ben Johnson has never mentioned it in meetings with Chicago players. 'I think he learned his lesson from that, and his peers have certainly talked to him about it,' Johnson said. 'There really wasn't any reason for me or the staff to piggyback on that because he's learned from it, he's grown from it, and what's in the past is in the past, and we're moving forward.' Albeit with no guarantees. Smith, a fifth-round pick in the same draft when Stevenson was selected in the second round, has arguably outplayed him but in a limited capacity. He has played only 584 defensive snaps in his backup role while Stevenson has played 1640. That's a huge difference. But Smith has made the most of playing time. He was graded out 40th among 127 qualifiers by PFF in his rookie season and, while he didn't get enough snaps to qualify because of a hip injury, ranked 14th among 223 cornerbacks last season. That's Marlon Humphrey and Quinyon Mitchell territory, the caveat being the small sample size. Frazier, a fifth-round pick from Texas-San Antonio, is a bigger corner at 6-3. He'll turn 25 in October and led the AAC with six interceptions last season. PFF gave him an 85.9 grade, which suggests he is capable of opening eyes in camp. "The biggest thing is you've got a big, long press corner that can run," Allen said after a rookie camp. 'He has got a lot of things that he's got to learn but he's got the tools for us to work with.'' Poles has added veterans Nick McCloud and Nahshon Wright as depth options alongside special-teamers Josh Blackwell and Ameer Speed. For Allen's defense, cornerback will be the position to watch this summer at Halas Hall. The joint practices against the Dolphins (Aug. 8) and Bills (Aug. 15) provide the first true tests. There are major financial consequences for Stevenson. He could set himself up as a long-term piece of the defense with a strong bounce-back under the new coaches. His head should be in the game on every snap this time around.
USA Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Chicago Bears training camp preview: Cornerbacks
Chicago Bears training camp is just around the corner, which means it's time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest. We're unveiling our Bears 2025 training camp position previews, where we're breaking down every player by position and examining the biggest question facing the group. Next up on defense, we're looking at arguably the strongest position group on the roster: Cornerback, which is led by two-time Pro Bowler Jaylon Johnson and newly-extended nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon. Those two roster spots are guaranteed, but there could be an intriguing battle for that starting job opposite Johnson on the outside between incumbent starter Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith and rookie Zah Frazier. Let's take a look at the Bears' cornerbacks heading into training camp: Jaylon Johnson After signing a well-deserved contract extension during the 2024 offseason, Jaylon Johnson once again proved that he's one of the most important players on this Bears roster -- and one of the NFL's best cornerbacks. Johnson had his second consecutive Pro Bowl season, where he forced three turnovers and recorded a career-high in tackles (53) and tackles for loss (7) all with teams electing to steer clear of him when they could. He'll be a cornerstone of Dennis Allen's defense and primed to earn an All-Pro nod. Kyler Gordon Kyler Gordon has developed into one of the NFL's best nickel cornerbacks, and he could find even more success under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Last season, he had a career-high 75 tackles, including our tackles for loss, four pass breakups, 0.5 sack, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and two QB hits in 15 games. Gordon certainly fits that "attacking, aggressive style of defense" that Allen is looking to build in Chicago. Gordon inked a three-year, $40 million contract extension to keep him in Chicago through 2028. Tyrique Stevenson Tyrique Stevenson looked primed for a breakout season following an impressive Week 1 performance against the Titans, which included a pick-6 and NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Unfortunately, his entire second season was marred by his part in the Hail Mary loss against the Commanders, where he was seen on video talking with fans -- and out of place -- as the final play got underway. But Stevenson should benefit from the addition of new head coach Ben Johnson and this coaching staff. We'll see if Terell Smith or rookie Zah Frazier will beat him out of a starting job. Terell Smith While the assumption is Tyrique Stevenson will be the starter for the third straight season, new head coach Ben Johnson has made it clear there's no depth chart yet. So there are starting jobs up for grabs, including at cornerback opposite Jaylon Johnson. Terell Smith is a bit of a dark horse candidate to take Stevenson's job, and he nearly beat out Stevenson for the starting job when both were rookies in 2023. Smith actually outperformed Stevenson last season. He has impressive ballhawking ability and was one of the better coverage defensive backs last year, per Pro Football Focus (ranking 19th out of 222). We'll see if Smith can usurp Stevenson -- and hold off rookie Zah Frazier -- for the job. Zah Frazier The Bears drafted Zah Frazier in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft to add even more depth to their deepest position group. Frazier caught the eye of defensive backs coach Al Harris during the pre-draft process, so he certainly has that going for him. While Tyrique Stevenson is expected to start for the third straight season, he could see competition from Frazier and Terell Smith for that starting spot opposite Jaylon Johnson. Even if Frazier doesn't win the starting job as a rookie, he would serve as a valuable special teams contributor and step in when needed. Josh Blackwell Josh Blackwell, a former undrafted free agent in 2022, was set to become a restricted free agent, was signed to a multi-year extension before the start of free agency where he became one of the highest-paid special teamers in the NFL. Blackwell was claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles in Aug. 2022, and he's served as a key depth piece at cornerback and has been a core special teams contributor for Chicago ever since. While Blackwell likely won't see the field much -- as Kyler Gordon's backup at slot cornerback -- he'll continue to serve as a key special teamer as a gunner or even return specialist. Nick McCloud The Bears signed Nick McCloud to a one-year deal during free agency to add depth to their cornerback room and a valuable special teams contributor. McCloud, a former undrafted free agent, has spent time with the Buffalo Bills (2021) and Cincinnati Bengals (2021) before becoming a regular contributor for the New York Giants (2022-24), mostly on special teams, and serving a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers (2024). But McCloud faces an uphill battle for a roster spot in Chicago following the selection of Zah Frazier in the 2025 NFL draft. The Bears will likely only carry six cornerbacks, and McCloud would most likely be the odd man out. Nashon Wright Nashon Wright went from one NFC North team to another after he was cut by the Minnesota Vikings and then shortly after signed to a one-year deal by the Bears. Wright got his start with the Dallas Cowboys, as a third-round pick in 2021, and played three seasons in Dallas before being traded to Minnesota in exchange for cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. He spent most of his time on the Vikings practice squad, appearing in one game exclusively on special teams. Now, Wright is reunited with former Cowboys defensive backs coach Al Harris, now serving in the same role in Chicago. But he faces an uphill battle for a roster spot. Shaun Wade The Bears signed Shaun Wade to a one-year deal this offseason to compete for a roster spot in a loaded cornerback room. Wade, a former fifth round pick, spent time with the Baltimore Ravens before being traded to the New England Patriots, where he played in 14 games with six starts. Last season, Wade spent time on the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad before signing with Chicago this offseason. Wade likely isn't going to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, but a strong training camp and preseason could earn him a roster spot elsewhere or even a spot on the practice squad. Ameer Speed The Bears tendered Ameer Speed to an exclusive rights contract this offseason to add more depth to the defensive backfield. Speed, a former sixth-round pick by the New England Patriots, was signed to Chicago's practice squad back in 2024. He also spent a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts (2023) on their practice squad before being added to the Bears' practice squad. Speed isn't expected to earn a roster spot in a loaded cornerback room, but he could contend for another stint on the practice squad. Jeremiah Walker The Bears signed Jeremiah Walker as an undrafted free agent this year, where he joins an experienced cornerback group with plenty to teach him. Walker played in five seasons at Stephen F. Austin (2020-24), where he totaled 188 tackles, including five tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, 25 pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 54 career games. Walker isn't expected to earn a spot on the 53-man roster given the depth of this position group, but a strong summer could warrant a spot on the practice squad. Big Question: Will Tyrique Stevenson hold onto his starting job? There aren't many concerns about the Bears at the cornerback position, but there could be an intriguing battle for the starting job opposite Jaylon Johnson on the outside. While Tyrique Stevenson has been the starter since his rookie season, he's coming off a rough sophomore campaign marred by the Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders. But with a new coaching staff in place, Stevenson gets a chance for a fresh start. But can he hold off a pair of talented young corners in Terell Smith, who nearly won the starting job when he and Stevenson were rookies in 2023, and rookie Zah Frazier, who caught defensive backs coach Al Harris' eye during the pre-draft process. At this point, Stevenson certainly feels like the favorite. But Ben Johnson made it clear that all jobs will be earned. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson ready to go hunting with new teammates
Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is not looking in the rearview mirror, and he's not taking on the challenge of the 2025 season by himself. Stevenson made headlines for the wrong reasons last season due to his role in the Bears' Week 8 Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders on a Hail Mary, where he was also taunting fans in the crowd right before the play began. In response to his end-of-game antics, the Bears previous coaching staff suspended Stevenson for the start of their Week 9 game against the Arizona Cardinals, and from there on out, he was under a microscope the rest of the season. Advertisement Now, Stevenson gets a fresh start with a new coaching staff led by head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Last month, Stevenson was asked about that fresh start and, without putting too much time into reflecting on the past, he said he was ready to go hunting with his new teammates and is excited for the opportunity. "Still with some of the guys from that team last year, we want to be the best defense in this league," Stevenson said. "This defense wants to be the best defense this year. I wouldn't say a fresh start, I would just say some of the guys come out with the same mentality. We add some pieces in, some dogs. It's time to hunt." Johnson made it clear that all starting jobs and roster spots will be earned this summer, so Stevenson's job opposite Jaylon Johnson is far from guaranteed. Chicago drafted cornerback Zah Frazier in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft, and while he may not immediately challenge Stevenson for his starting spot, the third-year player will have a point to prove this year to his new coaches. Advertisement It's a good look for Stevenson that he's not looking back on a disappointing season for himself and the Bears defense as a whole. While having self-awareness is key, erasing the past and putting all his attention on the upcoming season could bode well for the talented cornerback. With Allen and new defensive backs coach Al Harris leading the defensive coaching staff, Stevenson has an opportunity to not only erase the memory of a bad season, but take his game to new heights in the 2025 season. This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson ready to go hunting with new teammates
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
30 Most Important Bears of 2025: Tyrique Stevenson (No. 26)
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for an exciting 2025 NFL season, which features some new faces within the organization poised to get the franchise back to its winning ways. That starts with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach, as well as overhauling the interior offensive line, adding pieces on defense and a potenital impactful rookie draft class. Every day from now right up through training camp, we're counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2025 season. We'll recap their 2024 season, look ahead to 2025 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year. Advertisement At No. 26 is cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who was at the heart of one of the most heartbreaking losses last season and is hoping for a fresh start with a new coaching staff. Background Position: Cornerback Age: 25 Experience: 3rd season 2025 cap hit: $1.76 million 2024 recap Hopes were high for Stevenson heading into his second season. He showed vast improvement in the latter half of his rookie year and was poised for a breakout season in 2024. Things started out great for him, too. In Week 1, Stevenson picked off quarterback Will Levis and took it to the house late in the fourth quarter to give the Bears a come-from-behind victory over the Tennessee Titans. Those good times didn't last long, however. Advertisement In Week 8 against the Washington Commanders, Stevenson made one of the biggest blunders you will see on the football field when he taunted the opposing fans on the final play of the game—a desperation Hail Mary from Jayden Daniels. Stevenson was out of position, came back to the action, and tipped the ball right to Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown for the game-winning score. It was arguably the worst regular season loss the Bears have ever endured, and Stevenson became a pariah overnight. The game was a turning point for both him and the team. Chicago wound up losing 10 games in a row, and Stevenson's play began to go downhill. He was benched the week after and started losing snaps to Terell Smith. Though his opposing passer rating improved from 93.7 in 2023 to 87.5 in 2024, Stevenson wasn't the same after the Commanders game. He finished the year with 78 total tackles, one for a loss, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. 2025 outlook Many returning Bears players were happy to wipe the slate clean with a new coaching staff this offseason, but Stevenson has to be among the most excited. He gets a fresh start with a defensive staff that should be ideal for his skillset. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen likes to have defensive backs play man coverage, which should suit Stevenson. His new position coach, Al Harris, will also play an instrumental role in his continued development. During his time with the Dallas Cowboys, Harris helped cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland earn All-Pro seasons. He's one of the best position coaches, and Stevenson will only benefit from his tutelage. Stevenson will need to earn his playing time, however. Advertisement Big question: Can Stevenson redeem himself in Chicago? Stevenson's status going into the 2025 season is one of the biggest questions surrounding the Bears. He never was able to fully bounce back from his mental gaffe, and there isn't a certainty that he will be the starting cornerback opposite Jaylon Johnson. Smith showed flashes as Stevenson's replacement last year, and the Bears selected Zah Frazier, a lengthy cornerback, in the fifth round of the draft. We can expect competition at the position, even if the job is Stevenson's to lose at this point. As far as his play is concerned, we have seen multiple Bears players have their tenures defined by one poor play or performance. Cody Parkey is synonymous with the double doink, while Chris Conte is remembered for the fourth-down touchdown allowed to Randall Cobb. Stevenson is more talented than either of those players and has the chance to start a new chapter. It's entirely possible his lapse in judgment becomes a footnote in an otherwise successful career. It's also possible he never reaches his potential in Chicago and gets supplanted by someone else. Stevenson will be a player to watch during training camp and the preseason. 30 Most Important Bears of 2025 #30 - RB Roschon Johnson #29 - QB Case Keenum #28 - K Cairo Santos #27 - DT Andrew Billings #26 - Coming 7/4 #25 - Coming 7/5 #24 - Coming 7/6 #23 - Coming 7/7 #22 - Coming 7/8 #21 - Coming 7/9 #20 - Coming 7/10 #19 - Coming 7/11 #18 - Coming 7/12 #17 - Coming 7/13 #16 - Coming 7/14 #15 - Coming 7/15 #14 - Coming 7/16 #13 - Coming 7/17 #12 - Coming 7/18 #11 - Coming 7/19 #10 - Coming 7/20 #9 - Coming 7/21 #8 - Coming 7/22 #7 - Coming 7/23 #6 - Coming 7/24 #5 - Coming 7/25 #4 - Coming 7/26 #3 - Coming 7/27 #2 - Coming 7/28 #1 - Coming 7/29 This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 30 Most Important Bears of 2025: Tyrique Stevenson (No. 26)
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson among rare company as ballhawk
Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons last season after his part in the Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders. But he's also shown plenty of promise as a ballhawk in Chicago's secondary. In two seasons as a starter, Stevenson has totaled six interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown), 28 pass breakups and three forced fumbles opposite Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Advertisement According to Pro Football Focus, Stevenson is one of just six defensive backs who have recorded 20-plus forced incompletions and five-plus interceptions since 2023. He joins Derek Stingley Jr., Riq Woolen, Brian Branch, Darious Williams and Paulson Adebo. Stevenson's Week 1 heroics helped the Bears win their season opener, and he appeared primed for a breakout sophomore season. But Stevenson wasn't the same player after his part in the Hail Mary loss that kickstarted a 10-game losing streak and ended with Matt Eberflus being fired after Thanksgiving. But with a new coaching staff in place, Stevenson gets a fresh start and a chance to prove he can continue to be that ballhawk in this Dennis Allen-led defense. Still, Stevenson isn't guaranteed a starting spot. He could face competition from Terell Smith and rookie Zah Frazier for reps opposite Johnson this summer. But if Stevenson can prove his worth to this coaching staff, he'll get a chance at redemption in Year 3. Advertisement Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson among rare company as ballhawk
