The Chicago Bears were already in purgatory at cornerback with Jaylon Johnson being out. They thought it would get worse with Tyrique Stevenson missing Sunday's game in Baltimore with a shoulder injury. Apparently, Kyler Gordon saw that and said, "Hold my beer." The nickel cornerback, having already missed the first four games of the season with a hamstring issue, was placed on Injured Reserve with groin and calf problems. That means he will miss at least the next four games for the Bears, leaving their secondary in shambles.
It also raises questions about Gordon's future with the team.
Chicago handed him a $40 million extension, believing he could be a critical piece to their defense moving forward. It hasn't taken long to realize that the decision was ill-advised. Gordon missed nine games with various injuries through his first three seasons. There was always evidence that he struggled to stay healthy. Now he is set to miss at least eight this year, and right when the Bears needed him most. It is approaching time for GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson to start thinking about alternatives.
Kyler Gordon insurance is needed.
For now, his contract is immovable. Technically, the Bears could trade him next spring and take only a $7 million dead cap hit. That said, no team is likely to take on that deal knowing his recent bout with health problems. So they are likely stuck with him for another year. That doesn't mean the Bears should be idle at cornerback. They have every reason to go hunting for an insurance policy, be it via trade at the upcoming deadline or in the 2026 draft. Kyler Gordon had his chance to prove he can be reliable. That time has passed.
He is such a good player when healthy. Sadly, the Bears have witnessed many similar cases over the years. Mike Brown was one. Kyle Long and Eddie Jackson were others. At some point, you must accept the juice isn't worth the squeeze. It's getting to that time with Gordon.
