ESPN has been releasing their top 10 lists at every NFL position ahead of training camp marking its return at all 32 facilities. The cornerbacks list was released on Thursday morning. Chicago Bears superstar cornerback Jaylon Johnson claimed the No. 8 spot in a league-wide poll consisting of execs, coaches, and scouts.
It represents a significant climb up the rankings for Johnson, who finished unranked in ESPN's positional poll last season. Johnson finished as high as No. 4 for one voter, though his median finish earned him the eighth overall spot.
"Competitive corner with man traits and excellent zone vision," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "Physical in press and fluid at the break point. Showed more ball production last year. Only thing he lacks is top-end recovery speed."
Johnson earned his spot. The former Utah standout allowed 33 receptions on 57 targets for 286 yards and one touchdown while recording four interceptions, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Johnson was an elite shutdown corner that produced a 17.5% ball-hawk rate.
"No cornerback was hotter in the second half of the season," ESPN wrote. "He was probably Chicago's best overall player. It was a good thing the Bears didn't trade him at the deadline as he requested."
The Bears rewarded Johnson's standout 2023 campaign by signing him to a four-year, $76 million contract extension earlier this offseason. It was a fair contract for the Bears. Johnson is currently the eighth-highest paid cornerback in the league annually at $19 million, according to Over The Cap. The overall value of $76 million also ranks eighth among all cornerbacks.
Johnson was Pro Football Focus" highest-graded cornerback with a coverage score of 90.8. He'll play for a new defensive coordinator this season in Eric Washington. Johnson will spearhead a talented Bears secondary that also features \x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\x3Cp lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Execs, scouts, coaches rank Top 10 cornerbacks:\x3Cbr>\x3Cbr>*Denzel Ward, L'Jarius Sneed make huge jumps\x3Cbr>*Sauce Gardner polarizing -- some view as best, others kept out of top 10 altogether\x3Cbr>*Young stars taking out established vets\x3Ca href=\"https://t.co/mUlQWnUQli\">https://t.co/mUlQWnUQli\x3C/a>\x3C/br>\x3C/br>\x3C/br>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) \x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1813926785626833063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 18, 2024\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp>\"Competitive corner with man traits and excellent zone vision,\" an NFL personnel evaluator \x3Ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/40284094/top-10-nfl-cornerbacks-execs-scouts-2024-espn-jeremy-fowler-position-rankings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">said\x3C/a>. \"Physical in press and fluid at the break point. Showed more ball production last year. Only thing he lacks is top-end recovery speed.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson earned his spot. The former Utah standout allowed 33 receptions on 57 targets for 286 yards and one touchdown while recording four interceptions, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Johnson was an elite shutdown corner that produced a 17.5% ball-hawk rate.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"No cornerback was hotter in the second half of the season,\" ESPN \x3Ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/40284094/top-10-nfl-cornerbacks-execs-scouts-2024-espn-jeremy-fowler-position-rankings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">wrote\x3C/a>. \"He was probably Chicago's best overall player. It was a good thing the Bears didn't trade him at the deadline as he requested.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears rewarded Johnson's standout 2023 campaign by signing him to a four-year, $76 million contract extension earlier this offseason. It was a fair contract for the Bears. Johnson is currently the eighth-highest paid cornerback in the league annually at $19 million, according to \x3Ca href=\"https://overthecap.com/position/cornerback\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Over The Cap\x3C/a>. The overall value of $76 million also ranks eighth among all cornerbacks.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson was \x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/jaylon-johnson/56259\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pro Football Focus\x3C/a>\" highest-graded cornerback with a coverage score of 90.8. He'll play for a new defensive coordinator this season in Eric Washington. Johnson will spearhead a talented Bears secondary that also features \x3Ca href='https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/05/29/chicago-bears-2024-nfl-season-tyrique-stevenson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyrique Stevenson\x3C/a>, \x3Ca href=\"https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/03/11/chicago-bears-signing-kevin-byard-nfl-free-agency-a-good-idea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin Byard\x3C/a>, Jaquan Brisker, and \x3Ca href=\"https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/06/13/chicago-bears-cb-kyler-gordon-breakout-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyler Gordon\x3C/a>.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson was named a top 10 player at his position by ESPN on Thursday morning",featured_image_url:"/api/public/media/2025/07/jaylon-johnson-original.jpg",photo_credit:"Michael Reaves/Getty Images",status:"published",created_at:"2026-06-23T13:24:34.381588+00:00",author_display_name:"Justin Melo",author_gravatar_hash:"3db2d799cf003653055acaf8b5418622",author_avatar_url:null,category_names:$R[14]=["News"],tags:$R[15]=["chicago-bears","jaylon-johnson","news","nfl"],meta_title:null,meta_description:null,og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:null,reading_time_minutes:null,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1,linkedContent:"\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">ESPN has been releasing their top 10 lists at every NFL position ahead of training camp marking its return at all 32 facilities. The cornerbacks list was released on Thursday morning. Chicago Bears superstar cornerback \x3Ca href=\"https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/06/17/nfl-chicago-bears-jaylon-johnson-primed-for-big-year-2024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaylon Johnson\x3C/a> claimed the No. 8 spot in a league-wide poll consisting of execs, coaches, and scouts.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It represents a significant climb up the rankings for Johnson, who finished unranked in ESPN's positional poll last season. Johnson finished as high as No. 4 for one voter, though his median finish earned him the eighth overall spot.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\x3Cp lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Execs, scouts, coaches rank Top 10 cornerbacks:\x3Cbr>\x3Cbr>*Denzel Ward, L'Jarius Sneed make huge jumps\x3Cbr>*Sauce Gardner polarizing -- some view as best, others kept out of top 10 altogether\x3Cbr>*Young stars taking out established vets\x3Ca href=\"https://t.co/mUlQWnUQli\">https://t.co/mUlQWnUQli\x3C/a>\x3C/br>\x3C/br>\x3C/br>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) \x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1813926785626833063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 18, 2024\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp>\"Competitive corner with man traits and excellent zone vision,\" an NFL personnel evaluator \x3Ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/40284094/top-10-nfl-cornerbacks-execs-scouts-2024-espn-jeremy-fowler-position-rankings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">said\x3C/a>. \"Physical in press and fluid at the break point. Showed more ball production last year. Only thing he lacks is top-end recovery speed.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson earned his spot. The former Utah standout allowed 33 receptions on 57 targets for 286 yards and one touchdown while recording four interceptions, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Johnson was an elite shutdown corner that produced a 17.5% ball-hawk rate.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"No cornerback was hotter in the second half of the season,\" ESPN \x3Ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/40284094/top-10-nfl-cornerbacks-execs-scouts-2024-espn-jeremy-fowler-position-rankings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">wrote\x3C/a>. \"He was probably Chicago's best overall player. It was a good thing the Bears didn't trade him at the deadline as he requested.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears rewarded Johnson's standout 2023 campaign by signing him to a four-year, $76 million contract extension earlier this offseason. It was a fair contract for the Bears. Johnson is currently the eighth-highest paid cornerback in the league annually at $19 million, according to \x3Ca href=\"https://overthecap.com/position/cornerback\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Over The Cap\x3C/a>. The overall value of $76 million also ranks eighth among all cornerbacks.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson was \x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/jaylon-johnson/56259\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pro Football Focus\x3C/a>\" highest-graded cornerback with a coverage score of 90.8. He'll play for a new defensive coordinator this season in Eric Washington. Johnson will spearhead a talented Bears secondary that also features \x3Ca href='https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/05/29/chicago-bears-2024-nfl-season-tyrique-stevenson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyrique Stevenson\x3C/a>, \x3Ca href=\"https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/03/11/chicago-bears-signing-kevin-byard-nfl-free-agency-a-good-idea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin Byard\x3C/a>, Jaquan Brisker, and \x3Ca href=\"https://www.bearstalk.com/2024/06/13/chicago-bears-cb-kyler-gordon-breakout-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyler Gordon\x3C/a>.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>",related:$R[16]=[$R[17]={id:"41bbc454-5294-4f70-bff1-7e158251040b",wp_post_id:100000000201,title:"Bears could get major defensive reinforcement just in time for Packers",slug:"kyler-gordon-bears-return-practice-week-5-packers",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/10/01",published_at:"2026-10-01T16:30:38.913+00:00",updated_at:"2026-10-01T16:30:38.913+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears finally have Kyler Gordon back on the practice field. They won't have him against the New York Jets in Week 4, but what happens after Sunday just got a lot more interesting.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago opened Gordon's 21-day practice window Wednesday, allowing the veteran defensive back to practice for the first time since a calf injury sidelined him through training camp, the preseason, and the first three games of the regular season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Gordon was listed as a full participant on Chicago's estimated Wednesday practice report.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's a fantastic first step.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Kyler Gordon can't play in Week 4 against Jets\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Gordon is still on the physically unable to perform list, and he's required to miss the Bears' first four games under the NFL's PUP rules.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's why Sunday's Jets game isn't an option.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Gordon becomes eligible for activation Monday, which puts the Bears' Week 5 trip to Green Bay firmly in play.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears now have three weeks to decide when Gordon is ready for the 53-man roster. His full participation Wednesday suggests that decision could come much sooner.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790872175367-fhc28r.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDg3MjE3NTM2Ny1maGMyOHIud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTA4NzIxNzYsImV4cCI6MjEwNjIzMjE3Nn0.l_BWrElNRIqxf6J-fQq1DTYudgVuqsLQwG55efO7hKc\" alt=\"Kyler Gordon\">\x3Cp>Brandon Sloter/GettyImages\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears secondary has changed without Kyler Gordon\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Gordon isn't returning to the same Bears' secondary that he once started in. Rookie Malik Muhammad has been forced into an expanded role, and veteran Cam Lewis has handled nickel responsibilities, though he appeared on Wednesday's estimated injury report as limited with a hip injury.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Tyrique Stevenson also returned from his hamstring injury Monday but played only four defensive snaps against Philadelphia in Week 3. Jaylon Johnson remains Chicago's CB1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The return of Gordon will be a massive boost to a group that at one time appeared to be the deepest and most talented part of the defense.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Gordon could change Bears' options\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>When healthy, Gordon gives Chicago considerable positional flexibility. He has experience both outside and in the slot, and the Bears believe he is a long-term fixture in their defensive plans. His three-year, $40 million extension, signed in April 2025, proves that.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But injuries have become Gordon's defining problem.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>He was limited to only three regular-season games last year before returning for Chicago's playoff games against Green Bay and Los Angeles. He then missed the entire summer with his latest calf problem.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's why Wednesday's update is such a big deal. It's not because Gordon is automatically walking back into the same role he once had. Let's face it, Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen have to trust him again.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Instead, it's because he's finally healthy enough to compete and help make the Bears' defense better, in whatever capacity he plays.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Kyler Gordon returned fully to practice Wednesday and becomes eligible for activation after Chicago's Week 4 game.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790871981678-rl5gct.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDg3MTk4MTY3OC1ybDVnY3Qud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTA4NzE5ODYsImV4cCI6MjEwNjIzMTk4Nn0.w9Yayw-iktpSZb3YPCHJwVT-bY_cnVM-O_fPzyFOWsg",photo_credit:"USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect",status:"published",created_at:"2026-10-01T16:17:48.255798+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[18]=["News"],tags:$R[19]=["Bears injuries","Chicago Bears","Kyler Gordon","Malik Muhammad","Tyrique Stevenson"],meta_title:"Bears could get key defensive boost for Packers game",meta_description:"Kyler Gordon returned fully to Bears practice Wednesday and becomes eligible for activation ahead of Chicago's Week 5 game against Green Bay.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Kyler Gordon",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!0},$R[20]={id:"3973dc7b-bbfa-44d2-87d2-6d563bd43caf",wp_post_id:100000000200,title:"How to watch Bears vs. Jets: TV channel, streaming and kickoff time",slug:"bears-jets-how-to-watch-stream-listen-week-4-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/10/01",published_at:"2026-10-01T16:08:01.012+00:00",updated_at:"2026-10-01T16:08:01.012+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears will try to build on their biggest win of the young season when they host the New York Jets on Sunday at Soldier Field.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago enters Week 4 at 2-1 after Monday night's 27-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. New York is 1-2 after falling 31-24 to the Detroit Lions.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Here's everything Bears fans need to know to watch, stream, and listen to Sunday's game.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears vs. Jets game information\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Matchup:\x3C/strong> New York Jets at Chicago Bears\x3Cbr>\x3Cstrong>Date:\x3C/strong> Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026\x3Cbr>\x3Cstrong>Kickoff:\x3C/strong> Noon CT / 1 p.m. ET\x3Cbr>\x3Cstrong>Location:\x3C/strong> Soldier Field, Chicago\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The game will be broadcast on FOX in participating markets. Tim Brando will handle play-by-play alongside analyst Drew Brees, with Kristina Pink reporting from the sideline.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>How to stream Bears vs. Jets\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Fans in the Chicago market can stream the game on NFL+.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>International viewers outside the United States, Canada, and China can watch through NFL Game Pass International on DAZN.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Availability and blackout restrictions may apply depending on location.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>How to listen to Bears vs. Jets\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The Bears radio broadcast will air on ESPN Chicago, 1000 AM and 100.3 FM HD2.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Jeff Joniak will handle play-by-play, with former Bears offensive lineman Tom Thayer providing analysis and Jason McKie reporting from the sideline.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Spanish-language broadcast will be available on Latino Mix 93.5 FM, with Omar Ramos handling play-by-play.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears pregame and postgame coverage\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>FOX 32 Chicago's Bears Gameday Live begins at 9:30 a.m. CT Sunday.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>ESPN Chicago's radio pregame show begins at 9 a.m. CT with Marc \"Silvy\" Silverman, Dionne Miller and former Bears receiver Tom Waddle.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>After the game, Bears Postgame Live will air on Marquee Sports Network and will also be available through the Bears' official website and app.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>What to watch against the Jets\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The biggest question entering Sunday remains who will start at quarterback for Chicago.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Caleb Williams didn't participate in Wednesday's walkthrough as he continues recovering from his hamstring injury. Ben Johnson has remained silent on whether Case Keenum or Tyson Bagent would start if Williams remains unavailable.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Keenum is coming off an impressive performance against Philadelphia, completing 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards with two passing touchdowns, another rushing score and no turnovers.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears will face a Jets defense that entered the week ranked second in total defense, third against the pass and seventh against the run.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago survived its first game without Williams. Sunday gives them a chance to do it again.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Everything you need to watch, stream, and listen to Chicago's Week 4 matchup with the New York Jets.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790870748906-xfbipp.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDg3MDc0ODkwNi14ZmJpcHAud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTA4NzA3NDksImV4cCI6MjEwNjIzMDc0OX0.1amWMdKdnmG5XUJl40s96zlX8tDJQ7CYTr593kaqmGY",photo_credit:"Perry Knotts/GettyImages",status:"published",created_at:"2026-10-01T16:02:51.129207+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[21]=["News"],tags:$R[22]=["Bears schedule","Bears Week 4","Chicago Bears","New York Jets","NFL"],meta_title:"Bears vs. Jets: How to watch, listen, and stream Week 4",meta_description:"Here's how to watch, stream, and listen to the Bears vs. Jets Week 4 game Sunday, including TV channel, kickoff time, and radio information.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[23]={id:"a62a4f32-87b8-44bc-81ae-beddd9f46ec7",wp_post_id:100000000199,title:"Bears' $116 million investment in Darnell Wright is already paying off",slug:"darnell-wright-bears-pff-grade-offensive-line-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/30",published_at:"2026-09-30T19:16:51.688+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-30T19:16:51.688+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears made Darnell Wright one of the NFL's highest-paid offensive tackles this summer, and three games into the season, the early returns look pretty good.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Wright earned an 80.7 overall grade from \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://premium.pff.com/nfl/teams/2026/REGPO/chicago-bears/offense\">Pro Football Focus\x3C/a> in Monday night's 27-7 victory over Philadelphia, the second-highest grade among Chicago offensive players behind Kalif Raymond.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It continued an impressive start for the Bears' right tackle. And unlike some of the louder developments surrounding Chicago through three weeks, Wright's performance has been remarkably steady.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Wright enters Week 4 with the Bears' highest overall PFF grade: 91.1. It's an elite score from the longtime analytics giant.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Wright and Jonah Jackson are becoming Bears' foundation\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The right side of Chicago's offensive line has been a strength from the beginning of the season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Through the first two weeks, PFF ranked the Bears' offensive line fifth in the NFL and noted that Wright and right guard Jonah Jackson were two of the four highest-graded offensive linemen in football at that point.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That continued against the Eagles; Jackson earned a 72.1 grade and now has a near-elite 89.4 season grade. He's second on the Bears behind only Wright.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's exactly what Bears GM Ryan Poles envisioned when he spent most of the 2025 offseason rebuilding the offensive line.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787417055534-jprg4g.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzQxNzA1NTUzNC1qcHJnNGcud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc0MTcwNTYsImV4cCI6MjEwMjc3NzA1Nn0.E6RMaVf582EmNr6q4b12B-jxn7MbosVdFAUPK2viUuc\" alt=\"Darnell Wright Chicago Bears\">\x3Ch2>Bears paid Wright to eliminate Major O-Line Question\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Chicago signed Wright to a four-year, $116 million extension in August, and deals like that create expectations.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears paid Wright with the expectation he'd be a foundational player and one of the NFL's top all-around offensive tackles. And so far, that's what he's looked like.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>While Chicago continues searching for certainty at left tackle, there isn't much debate on the opposite side.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Wright is the right tackle, and he will be for a \x3Cem>very\x3C/em> long time. At just 25 years old, he's entering what should be the best stretch of seasons of his career.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Caleb Williams will benefit from Darnell Wright's ascent\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Case Keenum benefited from Darnell Wright's strong performance on Monday night, and, eventually, when Caleb Williams returns from his hamstring injury, he will, too.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago's offensive rebuild has always been about creating an environment in which Williams has the best chance to succeed. A dominant right side of the offensive line accomplishes a big part of that.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Wright won't receive the national attention of a quarterback performance or a 100-yard rushing game. Offensive tackles rarely do. But through three games, he might just be the most important Chicago Bear not named Caleb Williams.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Darnell Wright earned another strong PFF grade against Philadelphia and continues to anchor the right side of Chicago's offensive line.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790795469140-shvozl.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDc5NTQ2OTE0MC1zaHZvemwud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTA3OTU0NzUsImV4cCI6MjEwNjE1NTQ3NX0.mhJrebSkXfMiEsM0M5sMLB5IAwLUhnsw0o9v2pSbdQk",photo_credit:"Kamil Krzaczynski/AP",status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-30T19:03:08.297634+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[24]=[],tags:$R[25]=["Bears offensive line","Chicago Bears","Darnell Wright","Jonah Jackson","PFF"],meta_title:"Bears' $116 million investment is already paying off",meta_description:"Darnell Wright earned another strong PFF grade against Philadelphia and continues to anchor the right side of Chicago's offensive line.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Darnell Wright",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[26]={id:"b25e1e71-3f1c-4995-88a9-03c20187a0cd",wp_post_id:100000000198,title:"Bears rookie defender is about to face his biggest test yet",slug:"malik-muhammad-garrett-wilson-bears-jets",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/30",published_at:"2026-09-30T16:56:31.918+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-30T16:56:31.918+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>Malik Muhammad's fantastic start to his rookie season is about to get much tougher. The Chicago Bears' fourth-round pick could face one of the NFL's hottest receivers on Sunday when Garrett Wilson and the New York Jets visit Soldier Field.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Wilson is coming off a monster performance against Detroit.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>He caught 10 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown in New York's 31-24 loss and enters Week 4 with 21 catches for 243 yards and two scores. He currently ranks 13th among all wide receivers with an 81.2 grade from Pro Football Focus.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Wilson has long been viewed as one of the NFL's top wideouts but has been hampered by poor quarterback play in New York. With Geno Smith playing well through the first three games, Wilson is finally emerging.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Malik Muhammad's role is becoming interesting\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Despite being cleared to play on Monday night, veteran starter Tyrique Stevenson didn't play a defensive snap against the Eagles.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Instead, the Bears continued leaning on Muhammad. And that trend won't stop anytime soon.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Yes, a healthy Stevenson is a good thing for Dennis Allen's defense, but at this point in the season, Muhammad has simply outplayed him.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago drafted Muhammad expecting him to eventually push for a significant role in the secondary. And that opportunity has arrived much faster than anyone anticipated.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790787337501-emnsnh.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDc4NzMzNzUwMS1lbW5zbmgud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTA3ODczMzgsImV4cCI6MjEwNjE0NzMzOH0.3GjBPgh-ux2BTtZImHEgwzgzi_CBKo9-2MgO6ixcLfI\" alt=\"Garrett Wilson\">\x3Cp>USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Garrett Wilson is a legitimate measuring stick for Malik Muhammad\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Wilson is exactly the kind of receiver who can reveal where a young cornerback stands. Against Detroit, he showed how quickly he can take over a game.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Yes, Jaylon Johnson remains the Bears' top corner. But Dennis Allen will have to determine how Muhammad, Stevenson and the rest of the secondary fit around him. And he may find out the hard way with whoever he matches up against Wilson.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears have a good problem developing\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Remember: It's a good thing when a rookie Day-3 pick pushes established starters for their job. Chicago entered the season worried about its secondary depth, especially after Coby Bryant suffered a major knee injury. And little has improved since.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kyler Gordon remains unavailable with a mystery calf injury. Stevenson then injured his hamstring.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Those injuries created opportunities, and Muhammad has taken advantage of his.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Now the Bears may be approaching the much better version of a roster problem: deciding who deserves to play rather than simply finding enough healthy bodies.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Garrett Wilson should provide a pretty useful test of whatever Allen decides.\x3C/p>",excerpt:" Garrett Wilson's visit to Soldier Field provides a major test for Malik Muhammad and Chicago's evolving secondary.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790787051349-dco7jw.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDc4NzA1MTM0OS1kY283ancud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTA3ODcwNzAsImV4cCI6MjEwNjE0NzA3MH0.ucscsPtaKLAloOud8hp2vacyCjzXSVz1gesH4vtATmk",photo_credit:"(Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)",status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-30T16:21:17.485634+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[27]=["News"],tags:$R[28]=["Chicago Bears","Garrett Wilson","Malik Muhammad","New York Jets","Tyrique Stevenson"],meta_title:"Bears' Malik Muhammad faces huge test against Garrett Wilson",meta_description:"Garrett Wilson's visit to Soldier Field provides a major test for Malik Muhammad and Chicago's evolving secondary.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Malik Muhammad",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[29]={id:"2f8ee296-1660-4ffa-9f3f-12f2b5f1da7e",wp_post_id:100000000197,title:"Bears defense catches major break before Jets game",slug:"draft-1790784248672",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/09/30",published_at:"2026-09-30T16:16:29.115+00:00",updated_at:"2026-09-30T16:16:29.115+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears defense appears to have caught a significant break ahead of Sunday's matchup with the New York Jets.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>New York is expected to be without running back Breece Hall, who suffered a quad injury during Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Detroit Lions.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Jets coach Aaron Glenn has described Hall as week-to-week, and reports out of New York indicate he is expected to miss Sunday's game.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The injury isn't believed to be as severe as initially feared, but it could still remove one of the Jets' most dangerous offensive players for Week 4.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Jets running game was already struggling\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Hall's absence becomes even more significant because New York wasn't running the football particularly well with him.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Jets enter Bears week ranked 26th in rushing yards per game and 30th in yards per carry. Bruising young back Braelon Allen is expected to assume a larger role, with Isaiah Davis also available.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>New York could also face another problem up front. Starting guard Dylan Parham left the Detroit game with a knee injury. It's just another opportunity for a Bears defense coming off its best performance of the season.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790784947888-d24chp.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDc4NDk0Nzg4OC1kMjRjaHAud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTA3ODQ5NTQsImV4cCI6MjEwNjE0NDk1NH0.cK8Fr_Iqqc46cTPgXVnGDQ2gtb_h2EdxpS5uDkt8gJM\" alt=\"Geno Smith\">\x3Cp>USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears can make Jets one-dimensional\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The Bears defense turned back the clock against the Eagles, forcing three turnovers and allowing only seven points on Monday Night Football.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Now Dennis Allen could have an opportunity to turn Sunday's game over to his pass rush.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Jets quarterback Geno Smith has already been sacked nine times through three games, and if New York can't establish a running game without Hall, Chicago can put even more pressure on Smith to carry the offense.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's where Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo and the Bears' pressure packages can pin their ears back and get after it.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears can't overlook Geno Smith\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>At first glance, Geno Smith doesn't strike fear into Bears fans. But the Jets are 1-2, and their offense is improving.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Smith helped New York erase a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit against Detroit before the Lions ultimately won 31-24 in Week 3. He's been surprisingly efficient and, at times, clutch.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>So Hall's absence doesn't make Sunday \x3Cem>easy\x3C/em>; the Jets still have a handful of playmakers who can threaten the Bears' defense. But if he doesn't suit up, New York is less balanced.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And after watching Chicago's defense create three takeaways Monday night, that's exactly the kind of matchup Dennis Allen should want.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Breece Hall is expected to miss Sunday's game, potentially making New York's offense much easier for Chicago to defend.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790784724283-fgh2w1.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDc4NDcyNDI4My1mZ2gydzEud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTA3ODQ3MjYsImV4cCI6MjEwNjE0NDcyNn0.uYoaM1_R4LZxDDd6nfi0ZW6j_ioeGBZ0qcqnmM86fKk",photo_credit:" Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images",status:"published",created_at:"2026-09-30T16:04:08.986395+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[30]=["News"],tags:$R[31]=["Breece Hall","Chicago Bears","Dennis Allen","Geno Smith","New York Jets"],meta_title:"Chicago Bears defense catches major break before Jets game",meta_description:"Breece Hall is expected to miss Sunday's game, potentially making New York's offense much easier for Chicago to defend.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1}]},ssr:!0}]})($R["tsr"])