Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon struggled as a rookie in 2022. The No. 39 overall selection took his bumps and bruises. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing 63 receptions on 77 targets (81.8% completion percentage) en route to a lackluster coverage grade of 46.4.
Despite the rollercoaster, Gordon began flashing improvement towards the conclusion of his debut season. The former Washington cover-man posted two of his three best individual-game coverage grades against the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills in Weeks 15 and 16. He recorded interceptions in both games.
The Year 2 leap arrived for Gordon in 2023. The ex-Huskies standout ranked fourth in the NFL in passer rating allowed in the slot (83.6), per PFF. Gordon allowed 38 receptions for 336 yards and two touchdowns when playing the nickel position for Matt Eberflus. In total, he was credited with allowing 20 fewer catches and 402 less receiving yards than the year prior. He had two interceptions and three pass breakups.
Kyler-Man in action 🕸️ pic.twitter.com/euxUzMW6rQ
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 22, 2024
Gordon was arguably the Bears' most-improved defender in 2023. All signs point to the Mukilteo, Washington native taking another leap this offseason, potentially elevating himself to the upper tier of slot cornerbacks in his age-25 campaign. Gordon appears slated for a legitimate breakout season.
The timing would qualify as ideal. Gordon will become eligible to sign an extension after the 2024 campaign as he'll be heading into the final season of his pre-determined four-year rookie agreement in 2025. Gordon will be slated to earn a base salary under $1.9 million, meaning he'll be eager to ink a big-money extension should his on-field play warrant one from GM Ryan Poles.
Gordon will be a centerpiece in what could be the best secondary in the league this season. Jaylon Johnson is a shutdown cornerback who just signed a multi-year extension. Tyrique Stevenson was a rookie revelation in 2023 that should make a sophomore jump. Three-time Pro Bowler Kevin Byard was added at safety to ensure communication and accountability are consistently present throughout a young but ascending back end.
The sky's truly the limit for Gordon this season.
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