Chicago Bears secondary duo earns All-Rookie nomination

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears secondary duo earns All-Rookie nomination

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Oct 8, 2026 11:01 PM ET

The Chicago Bears have built the nucleus of their roster through the NFL Draft. In 2026, they landed a pair of secondary standouts in safety Dillon Thieneman and cornerback Malik Muhammad.

Selected in the first-round, Thieneman entered the NFL with high expectations. So far, the safety has lived up to them, as he leads the Bears with 30 tackles entering Week 5. Adding three passes defended and an interception, Thieneman has quickly become a leader on Chicago’s defense.

Muhammad has been more of a diamond in the rough after being drafted in the fourth round. He has spent time both at outside cornerback and nickel, registering 13 tackles, three passes defended and an interception. Even when Kyler Gordon returns, Muhammad will have a role in the secondary.

Both players have helped the Bears get out to a 3-1 start. In the process, they’ve earned some lofty early season accolades.

Chicago Bears duo on All-Rookie Team

Sep 28, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs against Chicago Bears cornerback Malik Muhammad II (24) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

While there is still plenty of football to be played, both rookie’s play early on can’t be ignored. Thieneman was named a First-team safety on Dane Brugler of the Athletic’s All-Rookie Team through the first four weeks.

“Thieneman leads all rookie defensive backs in tackles (30) and has paced Chicago in tackles in each of its first four games,” Brugler wrote. “His end-zone interception of Andy Dalton in Week 3 felt like a momentum-changing play.”

Muhammad was named the Second-team nickel back. Not bad for a player selected in the fourth round.

“Muhammad has given the Bears a strong early return on their investment, stepping up amidst injuries in the secondary,” Brugler wrote. “Despite playing almost exclusively outside in college, most of his snaps have come in the nickel this season — he’s allowing just 44.4 percent completions when targeted.”

Entering Week 5, the Bears rank third in pass defense, allowing 179.8 yards per game. Thieneman and Muhammad are a major reason for that success and will be tagged with keeping Chicago towards the top moving forward.

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

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