Defensive Backfield Additions
The Chicago Bears have focused on strengthening their defensive backfield, particularly the safety position, through both free agency and the draft. Veteran Coby Bryant was signed, and Dillon Thieneman was selected as the 25th pick in the first round of the draft.
Coby Bryant joins the Bears after playing four NFL seasons with the Seahawks. During his time there, he appeared in 58 games, starting in 34 of them. His career statistics include 227 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, seven interceptions, 17 pass breakups, and seven forced fumbles. All seven of his interceptions occurred in his last two seasons after transitioning from cornerback to safety. In his final season with the Seahawks, he recorded career highs with four picks and seven pass breakups, contributing to Seattle’s Super Bowl win.
General Manager Ryan Poles highlighted Bryant’s speed, aggression, and mental toughness, noting his style of play. Coach Ben Johnson sees Bryant as a tone-setter for coordinator Dennis Allen’s defense, emphasizing his ability to elevate the play of those around him.
Dillon Thieneman was drafted for his speed, versatility, and football character. He recorded a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and can play strong safety, free safety, and nickel back. Poles remarked on Thieneman’s sense of urgency, play speed, and ability to close on the football. Thieneman played in 39 games over three seasons at Purdue and Oregon, accumulating 306 tackles, eight interceptions, 14 pass breakups, 10.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen observed Thieneman’s consistent presence around the ball, attributing it to his intelligence and instincts.
Another veteran defensive back, Cam Lewis, was also signed in free agency. Lewis is a versatile player who can contribute at safety, nickel back, and on special teams, having spent his first six NFL seasons with the Bills. Elijah Hicks, a safety and special teams player, is returning for his fifth season with the Bears. In his last season, he played in all 17 games as a reserve, tying for third on the team with 12 special teams tackles.
Returning Defensive Backs and Competition
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson and nickel back Kyler Gordon are looking to recover after injuries impacted their previous season. Johnson, who had two straight Pro Bowl selections in 2023-24, underwent core muscle surgery and was limited to seven games in 2025. Gordon played in only three regular-season contests but returned for both playoff games.
Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, a 2023 second-round selection, is set for his fourth season. Last year, he appeared in 13 games with 10 starts, recording 49 tackles, one interception, 10 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
The competition at cornerback for training camp includes returning veterans Josh Blackwell, Jaylon Jones, and Terell Smith, along with rookie fourth-round choice Malik Muhammad II. Blackwell played limited defensive snaps last season but was a contributor on special teams, blocking a field goal against the Raiders and recovering an onside kick against the Packers, which helped the Bears secure the NFC North title. Jones also performed well on special teams, tying for third with 12 tackles last season. Smith, a 2023 fifth-round pick, is returning after missing the entire last season due to a knee injury sustained in a preseason game.
Malik Muhammad II played in 41 games with 29 starts over three seasons at Texas, achieving 97 tackles, three interceptions, 16 pass breakups, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 sack. In his last season, he recorded 30 tackles, two interceptions, and four pass breakups in 11 games. The Bears targeted Muhammad for his speed, demonstrated by a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and his length. National scout John Syty noted Muhammad’s ability to play man coverage and his instincts in zone coverage.
Other defensive backs expected to compete in training camp are cornerbacks Dontae Manning, Dallis Flowers, and KC Eziomume, as well as safeties Gervarrius Owens, Skyler Thomas, and Anthony Johnson Jr.
Defensive Outlook
Questions regarding the defense are anticipated to be a focus during training camp. The Bears are replacing both starting safeties, with Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis expected to fill those roles. The readiness of first-round pick Dillon Thieneman to perform in Dennis Allen’s scheme by Week 1 is a key storyline to monitor.
The team’s defensive backfield additions and returning players will be evaluated as training camp progresses, with the goal of solidifying the unit for the upcoming season. The Bears will be looking for strong performances from both new acquisitions and established players to address defensive uncertainties.
The Bears are preparing for training camp, with position previews underway ahead of the official start on July 23, 2026.
Source: chicagobears.com