Chicago Bears surprise starter earns important new title

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears surprise starter earns important new title

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Sep 10, 2026 5:23 PM ET

While it was unofficial, the Chicago Bears have released their first depth chart of the regular season. Starting at nickel cornerback was free agent signee Cam Lewis.

If he were healthy, Kyler Gordon would be handling the role. But as his mysterious absence continues, Lewis was pegged for the job. Behind him is fourth-round pick Malik Muhammad.

While the defensive back may be at nickel corner to start, that doesn’t mean he’ll remain there all season. The Bears had big plans for Lewis when they signed him. He may have been pressed into starting duty earlier than expected. But Chicago has full confidence he can handle the role.

Chicago Bears expecting versatility from Cam Lewis

Aug 29, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (87) runs against Chicago Bears defensive back Cam Lewis (21) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Alongside cornerback, Lewis also has experience playing safety. With Coby Bryant having to undergo potentially season-ending knee surgery, that position has now come into question. If necessary, the Bears could move Lewis back to safety – where veteran Xavier Woods is currently poised to start – and have Muhammad take over at nickel. If/when Gordon and/or Bryant make their returns, Lewis would likely need to shift anyway.

The Bears planned for that and is precisely why they signed him. Assistant defensive backs/safeties coach Matt Giordano affectionally refers to Lewis as Chicago’s, “Swiss Army Knife,” via Jayna Bardahl of the Athletic.

“He’s our Swiss Army Knife basically,” Giordano said. “There are growing pains to learning that many positions, but what he does great every single day is he comes to work with the right attitude, and he meets with me extra just to learn the defense and learn specific assignments and responsibilities. He’s doing great; it just takes time.”

Lewis started only 14 games over his six years with the Buffalo Bills. But he did appear in 76 total, putting up 166 tackles, 11 pass break ups and a pick. That experience will be crucial for the Bears, although the defensive back will be starting much sooner than he did for the Bills.

In Week 1, expect Lewis to be handling nickel cornerback duties. But don’t be surprised when he is all over the field throughout the 2026 campaign.

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

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