The Chicago Bears defense showed a noticeably different secondary arrangement during a recent red zone series, signaling shifts in the cornerback lineup. Tyrique Stevenson, the incumbent cornerback, was absent from first-team reps, reflecting a deeper battle for lineup spots as Dennis Allen evaluates his options amid camp practices.
Alongside Stevenson’s absence, Nashon Wright, who normally occupies the right cornerback position, was pulled from the first-team mix. Third-year player Terell Smith, who missed portions of camp due to injury, was present but limited to backup drills. Instead, Dennis Allen deployed Shaun Wade and Nick McCloud with the starters for the first time in camp, particularly in dime defensive packages, which Allen values for their versatility.
Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen Praises Emerging Talent and Depth
Dennis Allen expressed increasing confidence in his cornerback depth and highlighted significant improvements by several players as camp progressed. He pointed specifically to Nick McCloud’s recent development after initial uncertainty about his potential during the spring months.
“You know, I’ve seen a lot of improvement from a lot of different guys,”
defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said.
“I think Nashon Wright’s improved. A guy that’s stood out to me in the last few days, Nick McLoud. Here’s a guy that in the spring I wasn’t sure exactly what he was going to be. But he’s come back in great shape. He understands the defense.
He’s doing all of the things that (DB coach) Al’s (Harris) coaching him to do which is allowing him to be successful.”
Allen’s remarks suggest that the Bears are seeing promising performances from several cornerbacks beyond Stevenson. This development has led Allen to openly declare that the No. 2 cornerback position is “completely up for grabs,” emphasizing that competition is the key to building a strong defense. Allen wants performance on tape to determine who eventually claims the role.
“I think it’s completely up for grabs,”
Allen said.
“You saw it out there today. You saw some different guys going out there with the 1s. And I think that’s how you develop the very best defense that you can, is create as much competition as you can and let the tape make the decision. And that’s really what it’s about.”
Tyrique Stevenson’s Recent Struggles and Rising Challenges from Teammates
Tyrique Stevenson struggled in recent practice sessions, particularly during reps with the backup defense. While playing zone near tight end Durham Smythe, Stevenson failed to prevent a touchdown catch from Case Keenum and allowed other receptions, raising questions about his consistency.
I hope Tyrique Stevenson can get out of his head and play at the peak of his potential this season.There’s still a lot of meat on that bone, I could also see him having a Josh Giddey career arch.— Max Markham (@MaxMarkhamNFL)
The competition may stem not only from linebackers like Nashon Wright and Terell Smith but also from veteran free-agent signees Nick McCloud and Shaun Wade, who have shown promise in camp. McCloud entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2021 with the Bills and has since had stints with the Bengals, Giants, and 49ers.
McCloud has played in 48 NFL games with 16 starts—with all those starts coming for the Giants. While his recent passer rating against was a troubling 158.3 in 2024 during his time with the 49ers and Giants, it was notably better in previous seasons. Wade, who was drafted in the third round by Baltimore in 2021, played three seasons with New England before his release. He appeared in 20 games with six starts for the Patriots and recorded modest stats in pass breakups but contributed 26 tackles.
Tyrique Stevenson is a player primed for a huge year. Last year his role in the Fail Mary cast a (deserved) negative light on him, but his mix of physical attributes and play style as a corner mesh perfectly with what Dennis Allen wants from his CBs.
— EJ Snyder (@FootballEJ)
Behind the Scenes: Coaching Pressure and Player Mindsets
The new Bears coaching staff is intentionally creating a competitive atmosphere for Stevenson and other cornerbacks. This approach appears designed to motivate players rather than simply fill roster spots, as evidenced by public commentary and practice reports.
The new staff is clearly putting pressure on Tyrique Stevenson. While Terrell Smith or even Zah Frazier are capable of winning the job, it feels more like a tactic to motivate Tyrique.
— Blake (@SoldierFieldBlg)
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds also praised the energy and drive Dennis Allen brings to the defense, emphasizing the coach’s demanding yet inspiring style.
Just his whole demeanor. It’s nasty,
Edmunds said.
We’re going to dominate. That’s what it is. You’re sure of that when he talks, you’re sure of that the way he coaches, you feel that the way we practice out there.
As a competitor, it makes you be like, yeah, let’s do that. Because that’s what we want. That’s what we want to be. That’s our identity, nothing less.
Such an approach places the responsibility squarely on Stevenson to elevate his game and prove he deserves a starting role. The Bears’ revamped defensive mindset means there are no guaranteed jobs, raising the stakes for every player during camp and beyond.
Implications for Stevenson and the Bears’ Secondary Moving Forward
Stevenson’s 2024 season was overshadowed by a costly Hail Mary play that affected his confidence and public perception. The arrival of Dennis Allen and his demanding style signals a shift in how the Bears will evaluate cornerbacks, with hard work and performance becoming non-negotiable criteria.
For Stevenson, this means a crucial opportunity to redeem himself and validate his place in the lineup amid fierce internal competition. Meanwhile, the Bears’ willingness to field Wade, McCloud, Wright, Smith, and others against Stevenson suggests the team is taking nothing for granted as it prepares for the upcoming season.
As the Bears continue to refine their defense under Allen’s leadership, the depth at cornerback could become a significant strength if the competition produces improved play across the board. Stevenson’s response will not only shape his own career trajectory but could also influence the overall success of Chicago’s defensive backfield moving forward.