• Jaylon Johnson
• Kyler Gordon
• Tyrique Stevenson
• Terell Smith
• Jaylon Jones
• Josh Blackwell
• Greg Stroman Jr.

Johnson is coming off a career year, where he earned a massive four-year contract extension to keep him in Chicago for the foreseeable future. He totaled a career-high four interceptions, 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 14 games. Johnson was the highest-graded cornerback by Pro Football Focus with a 90.8 grade for the 2023 season. He earned a number of accolades for his impressive 2023 season, which only spanned 14 games due to injury. Johnson earned his first Pro Bowl nod and was named Second-Team All-Pro. He was also named to the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-NFC team.

Stevenson had a strong close to his rookie season, where he excelled in the final seven weeks of the season. He recorded four interceptions — tied for a team high — during that span. He also totaled 16 pass breakups on the season, which tied Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon for a rookie best and fifth most in the league. Stevenson earned NFL Defensive Player of the Week honors for his impressive Week 17 outing against the Falcons.

With the addition of Stevenson, Gordon moved exclusively to the slot in 2023, where playing one position proved to be a solid move. Gordon missed four games with a broken hand early in the season. While he got off to a slow start in his return, he really found his groove in November, along with the rest of the defense. Gordon showed big improvement from his rookie year, delivering physical hits and proving to be an effective run stopper.

Smith, a fifth-round pick, was a pleasant surprise during his rookie season. He didn’t have a prominent role as a starter, but he proved to be a reliable option filling in for various injured starters. Smith surprised from the outset, challenging Stevenson for the starting job opposite Johnson on the outside. While he’s not a starter, he’ll prove to be a valuable asset in a loaded cornerback room. Also back this season are reserves Blackwell, Jones and Stroman.

• N/A

The Bears didn’t lose any cornerbacks this offseason, returning several key starters and contributors that will be integral to the secondary’s success this season. The most important move Chicago made was re-signing Johnson to a long-term deal and ensuring their best defensive back remained on the roster. They return other starters in Stevenson, coming off an impressive end to his rookie season, and Gordon, who thrived in the slot in Year 2. Smith, a fifth-round rookie last year, is valuable depth alongside other young players in Stroman, Jones and Blackwell.

Cornerback is arguably the Bears’ strongest position group, right along with linebacker. That has to do with the return of Johnson, who signed a massive four-year extension to keep him in place as this defense looks to take a step forward. Johnson is coming off a career year where he unlocked his ballhawking ability while proving to be one of the game’s best cover corners. Couple that with the returns of young stars Stevenson and Gordon, and Chicago has a solid starting trio. Stevenson had a strong close to his rookie season while Gordon thrived playing exclusively one position. Smith also gives them solid depth should any injuries occur. So it’s highly unlikely the Bears target a cornerback in the NFL draft — especially with just four draft picks and several holes to fill.

• Terrion Arnold
• Cooper DeJean
• Kool-Aid McKinstry
• Quinyon Mitchell
• Nate Wiggins

This is a talented cornerback group led by five players who could all very well be drafted in the first round of the NFL draft. Arnold has average size but impressive athleticism, speed and ball production that should translate to the NFL level. Arnold very well might be the best of the group, but there’s not a bad option among this top five. Mitchell’s stock rose quickly during the pre-draft process, due to his impressive skillset, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him go before Arnold. DeJean, who’s coming off an injury, is a versatile defensive back who’s played both cornerback and safety. Wiggins has impressive athleticism and competitiveness that should translate to the next level. McKinstry doesn’t have elite athleticism, but he’s a very intelligent player.

• Quarterback
• Running back
• Wide receiver
• Tight end
• Offensive line
• Edge rusher
• Defensive tackle
• Linebacker
• Cornerback
• Safety
• Special teams