Bears key defensive starter expects to make 2025 debut and his return could completely change the defense's trajectory

Kyler Gordon's return and defensive impact cannot be overstated enough

After signing a three-year, $40 million contract extension with the Bears earlier this offseason, it became clear how valuable the team views Gordon as one of the team's top defensive players.

Which is why it was so unfortunate to not have Gordon on the field during the first four games of the season due to a hamstring injury. The fourth-year defensive back pushed hard to return in Week 4 ahead of the bye week, but the Bears made the smart choice to give him ample time to fully recover.

Now, Gordon is ready to make his 2025 debut with the Bears and prove his impact on this defense was worth the big investment handed out a few months ago.

The Bears prioritized paying Gordon early because of the vast value he brings to the Bears defense, both as a coverage defender and his ability to play against the run. Not only that, Gordon's versatility is a major advantage to have, something his new defensive coordinator teased back in April.

"Does he go outside and compete at outside corner? Does he compete some at safety? I've told him that he needs to be learning both of those spots," Allen explained. "We'll figure out where that second position is where he can go and compete. Hopefully we can find some more playing time for him."

Following the injury to Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson, playing Gordon outside is definitely on the table beyond his role as the team's starting nickel in the slot. Outside cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has made vast improvements taking on the role as the team's top cornerback, but the unit has still seen some struggles out of Nahshon Wright and Nick McCloud in coverage with each player allowing a 125+ passer rating in coverage this season.

As for his impact in the run game, Gordon is a willing tackler in space and even adds some juice rushing the passer. Both of which have been problematic areas for the defense through the first four weeks of the season.

Saying he's fully 100 percent coming off his hamstring injury, Allen will get the chance to finally unleash his top chess piece in a variety of ways against the Commanders. And Gordon will get the chance to prove why he's one of the top players on this entire roster.