NFL People Think Tyrique Stevenson Might Be On The Bubble
The Chicago Bears’ lineup was always going to change once a new coaching staff took over. What wasn’t certain was the extent. Changes always happen on the fringes of a roster. What people wanted to know was whether any prominent names could find themselves either benched or off the team entirely. So far, head coach Ben Johnson and his staff haven’t made any eye-opening changes. They let Keenan Allen and Teven Jenkins walk in free agency and released DeMarcus Walker, but that was mostly it. No unexpected name is out yet. One who could change that is Tyrique Stevenson.
The Bears had high hopes for the former 2nd round pick. He had a productive rookie season in 2023, snagging four interceptions and helping the defense ascend to respectability. Things took a serious downturn last year. His production slipped, and he was responsible for some ugly moments, headlined by his mystifying actions on the infamous Hail Mary in Washington. Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog asked around the league about Stevenson. It sure sounds like his status is shakier than people realize.
Do you believe in Tyrique Stevenson? “Serviceable, sure. But I don’t think he’s more than a fourth or fifth corner for a good defense.”
Tyrique Stevenson has a lot to prove this summer.
Forget the preseason. He needs to make a statement in training camp that he can play in Dennis Allen’s new defense. The coordinator runs a much more aggressive scheme, sometimes requiring the cornerbacks to play tight man coverage. Tyrique Stevenson has the skills for that job, but also has a bad tendency for coverage busts from a lack of discipline. If those pop up often in camp next month, the Bears might feel less inclined to keep him. They drafted Zah Frazier in the 5th round.
Along with Terell Smith, they may think they can get by without Stevenson moving forward. Releasing him feels unlikely. A trade, on the other hand, isn’t out of the question. Keep an eye on his name when the team reconvenes in late July.