Bears May Soon Have A Shot At Perfect Kyler Gordon Solution

Kyler Gordon missed the first four games of the 2025 season. Now he is about to miss at least another four as the Chicago Bears placed him on Injured Reserve with groin and calf issues. There is plenty of time to discuss what this means for his future on the team, given he will have missed at least 17 games before this season is even over, but there are more pressing concerns. Chief among them is figuring out how to replace him. Chicago already didn't have Jaylon Johnson due to core surgery. Now Tyrique Stevenson is out as well. While he should be back sooner rather than later, the Bears have no clear option for their nickel corner spot.

Their best options are either Nick McCloud or Josh Blackwell. Not ideal.

This is where timing could be everything. It so happens that one of the better nickel corners in the league a couple of years ago might be getting ready to hit the market. Asante Samuel Jr. was a rising star in Los Angeles before he was forced to undergo spinal fusion surgery. Expectations are that he would undergo a CT scan this month. If everything checked out, he would be free to sign with a team. The Bears have every reason to make a strong push for his services.

Samuel Jr. could be a perfect Kyler Gordon replacement if healthy.

He hasn't played football since September of last year, but there is no question that he has ability. Through his first three seasons, Samuel had six interceptions and 35 passes defended. This doesn't include three interceptions and six passes defended in his only playoff appearance. Dennis Allen would have no problem utilizing someone with his skill set. Yes, the health situation is a concern. Even so, it's not like the Bears are in a position to be choosy. It's either take a gamble on Samuel or ride with McCloud. The decision isn't a difficult one.

Their only other option would be the trade market, and that would be more expensive. The Bears would have to give up draft capital, whereas Samuel only incurs a financial cost. If it doesn't work out, they can let him walk after the season. You probably won't find a more worthwhile risk to replace Kyler Gordon this time of year.