CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 13: Tommy Tremble #82 of the Carolina Panthers is tackled by Tyrique Stevenson #29 of the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Getty
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 28: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Chicago Bears celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass thrown by Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the end zone during the second quarter of the game at Soldier Field on September 28, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Getty
The Chicago Bears are in a prime position to gain future draft capital with the Carolina Panthers in desperate need of help at the cornerback position.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on September 30th that the Panthers placed both their starting cornerbacks on injured reserve.
"Ahead of Sunday night's matchup vs. the Lions, the Panthers placed both their starting cornerbacks, Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson , on injured reserve."
That leaves Carolina extremely thin at corner, with just Akayleb Evans , Will Lee III , and Chau Smith-Wade as the starters with no depth.
That's where the Bears come in and offer fourth-year cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 13: Tommy Tremble #82 of the Carolina Panthers is tackled by Tyrique Stevenson #29 of the Chicago Bears during the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Here's the situation for the Bears: Chicago is enjoying the fast emergence of rookie corner Malik Muhammad, who's been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL through three weeks.
When targeted by opposing quarterbacks, Muhammad has allowed only 5 completions on 12 targets for 76 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 1 interception, with a 28.5 passer rating allowed.
With Jaylon Johnson on the opposite side and depth with guys like Josh Blackwell and Clark Phillips III , the Bears should take advantage and gain some future draft capital for a player that they'll likely part ways with in the offseason.
Stevenson is in the final year of his $6.5 million rookie deal, and he hasn't garnered the statistics or the confidence from the Bears' coaching staff to receive a second contract.
For Carolina, they can see an opportunity to acquire a former second-round pick who's still just 26 years old and can immediately provide another option at cornerback.
Even if it's just a 2027 sixth-round pick in return, it's more than what the Bears would get if they let Stevenson hit the open market this offseason.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 28: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Chicago Bears celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass thrown by Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the end zone during the second quarter of the game at Soldier Field on September 28, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
It's not just Malik Muhammad who's been shining in the Bears' secondary.
First-round pick Dillon Thieneman has been exceeding expectations at safety, putting on a fantastic performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3 with 50 total defensive snaps (1st on team), six total tackles (1st), three targets with one reception allowed for four yards and one interception, and a 2.8 passer rating allowed (1st).
Not to mention Coby Bryant will be joining the team, hopefully later in the season, and despite all the drama, Kyler Gordon is still part of the team.
If the Bears can find an opportunity to trade Tyrique Stevenson, they should take it. Better than seeing him leave in free agency.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
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