Chicago Bears linked to surprising trade with AFC contender

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears linked to surprising trade with AFC contender

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Jun 22, 2026 11:08 AM ET

The Chicago Bears‘ roster is mostly set with training camp just around the corner, for better or for worse.

Fans have long been wanting the Bears to add another pass rusher, but Chicago does not appear interested in doing that at the current point in time. It also seems like the Bears are comfortable with their wide receiver room, which has a lot of question marks.

But could Chicago pull off a surprise trade elsewhere on the roster?

The Bears have an intriguing situation going on at cornerback right now. Jaylon Johnson is the No. 1 at the position, and Tyrique Stevenson is trying to ward off rookie Malik Muhammad for the No. 2 spot. But what if Chicago decided to make the picture clearer by trading Stevenson?

Thomas Martinez of Chargers On SI feels it’s a possibility, pitching the Chargers as a possible landing spot for the disappointing defender.

Chicago Bears linked to Tyrique Stevenson trade with Los Angeles Chargers

Oct 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (29) takes the field before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Martinez noted that Los Angeles could use some cornerback depth, and he seems to like the idea of Stevenson in the Chargers’ system.

“In 2025, Stevenson was Chicago’s best man cover corner. New defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary has hinted at being more aggressive on defense which would require corners who can cover man-to-man giving Stevenson an easy role to work into with the Chargers,” Martinez wrote.

Stevenson had a frustrating year with the Bears last season, posting a 59.6 coverage grade at Pro Football Focus amid multiple benchings. But with Chicago having such limited depth at corner, it decided to bring the 26-year-old back for another year.

And therein lies the problem for the Bears and why they probably won’t be moving Stevenson just yet: they don’t have many other options.

Beyond Johnson (who is very injury-prone), Stevenson and Muhammad, Chicago has no clear-cut options to potentially start at cornerback. Terell Smith missed all of 2025 due to a torn patellar tendon, and Jaylon Jones is primarily a special teams player.

The chances of the Bears trading Stevenson at this point are slim to none.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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