The Chicago Bears' pass defense in the previous season landed squarely in the middle of the NFL pack, ranking 16th overall. While the team boasts promising talents like cornerback Jaylon Johnson and safety Jaquan Brisker within their secondary, the development of other players has fallen short of expectations.
One player facing increased scrutiny is cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Entering the 2024 season, many anticipated a significant leap forward in his performance. However, his showing proved underwhelming, reflected in a 58.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. This rating accurately mirrored his on-field contributions.
The Rookie Threat: Zah Frazier
During the free agency period, the Bears opted not to pursue any high-profile cornerbacks. Instead, they invested in the NFL Draft, selecting Zah Frazier, a product of UTSA, in the fifth round. This pick has undoubtedly placed Stevenson on notice as the Bears head into the 2025 season.
Frazier's physical attributes are immediately striking. Standing tall at 6-foot-3, he possesses exceptional size for a cornerback. His final year in college was marked by impressive statistics, including six interceptions and nine passes defended. At 24 years old, Frazier has the potential to be one of the draft's hidden gems. His emergence could significantly impact Stevenson's future with the team, potentially putting him on the trade block.
Stevenson's Future in Chicago
Is a trade imminent for Stevenson this offseason? It's unlikely. However, his position on the team is far from secure. A strong showing from Frazier during training camp and the preseason could jeopardize Stevenson's role. This could then lead to the Bears considering a trade for Stevenson before the trade deadline in the fall.
The Bears' overall performance in 2025 will also play a crucial role in determining Stevenson's fate. If the team is successful and winning games, they will likely avoid making significant changes to the roster. However, if the Bears struggle early in the season, and Stevenson's performance doesn't improve, his name could surface in trade discussions. As a former second-round pick, Stevenson carries value, but his continued struggles would make him a potential trade asset.
Key Factors Influencing a Potential Trade:
Several factors will influence whether the Bears decide to trade Tyrique Stevenson:
- Zah Frazier's Performance: A standout performance from Frazier in training camp and preseason would increase the likelihood of a Stevenson trade.
- Stevenson's Improvement: If Stevenson can demonstrate significant improvement in his performance, his trade value would decrease.
- Team's Overall Record: A losing record early in the season would make the Bears more likely to consider trading underperforming players.
- Need at Other Positions: If the Bears have pressing needs at other positions, they might be more willing to part with Stevenson to acquire assets to address those needs.
- Trade Offers: The Bears would need to receive a compelling trade offer to justify trading a former second-round pick.
The Bears' Defensive Line and Overall Team Outlook
The Chicago Bears have been making strategic moves across their defense, not just in the secondary. Some analysts believe the defensive line's potential has been underestimated, and players like Gervon Dexter are poised for a breakout season, demanding greater respect from opponents. The team is aiming for a more formidable and consistent defensive performance overall.
Offensively, the arrival of Caleb Williams has already made waves, even earning him a spot on the Pro Bowl roster. While some concerns were initially raised regarding the impact of Ben Johnson on the Bears' offense, he has won over many with his strategic approach and potential to maximize the team's offensive capabilities.
The coming season holds significant promise and potential for the Chicago Bears. The competition within the cornerback position, particularly between Stevenson and Frazier, will be a storyline to watch closely. The team's overall success will ultimately dictate the direction they take, and whether Tyrique Stevenson remains a part of their long-term plans.
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