The Chicago Bears boast one of the deepest secondaries in the NFL, even after they released two-time Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson. Jaquan Brisker still mans the other safety spot. Elijah Hicks just completed his second season, filling in for Jackson when the latter missed time due to injury.
They are especially deep at cornerback with 2023 All-Pro Jaylon Johnson joining a trio of second and first-year players in Kyler Gordon, Terell Smith, and Tyrique Stevenson.
They could still add to the unit after showing interest in Troy?s Reddy Steward. Steward spoke with The Draft Network?s Justin Melo, revealing that he had met ?extensively? with officials from two teams during his time at the Hula Bowl in January ? the Bears and Denver Broncos.
Troy DB Reddy Steward ‘Met Extensively’ With Bears at Hula Bowl
Bears Put Reddy Steward to Test Ahead of 2024 Draft
?I feel like those two teams stood out to me because they actually made me get on the whiteboard,? Steward said, per Melo on February 14. ?We wrote down a couple of my plays as I showcased my football IQ.
?We went through multiple positions on the whiteboard with the Broncos and Bears. … I spent more time with the Broncos and Bears than anybody else.?
Steward added the Los Angeles Chargers to that list as well.
The fifth-year senior, Steward, logged a career-high four interceptions in 2023. He scored a defensive touchdown for the second straight season and the third time in the last four seasons. He has also broken up 22 passes over the last two seasons and showcased his versatility.
?Honestly, I can play wherever I?m needed. I feel like I?m a versatile player. Wherever a team wants me to play, I really feel like I can play every position in the defensive backfield,? Steward told Melo.
?I played both nickel and outside cornerback at Troy. I feel comfortable playing wherever I?m needed. I?m not focused on one main position when I get to the league. I want to be versatile.”
Bears Already Options at Safety
A 5-foot-10, 175-pound prospect, Steward isn?t a likely potential candidate to replace the departed Jackson. But he could (eventually) replace Kyler Gordon at nickelback if Gordon moves to the outside.
Starting outside corner Jaylon Johnson is a free agent this offseason.
Rookies Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith both flashed throughout the season. With the former?s particularly strong showing, the Bears could move the latter to safety.
Smith and Stevenson both have the size for a potential move to safety. But one NFC scout noted that Stevenson is ?a big press corner,? per NFL.com. Site draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote that Smith could start on the outside ?in the future or a transition to safety.?
As is the theme for the Bears this offseason, they have several options for how to proceed.
