After the Kyler Gordon contract extension, this could be a blockbuster trade that may happen during the NFL Draft. According to the breaking news, the Chicago Bears are extending Gordon to a new contract worth $40 million for three years, which could spell the end of cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Originally selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Miami product came into the league as a starter under former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. He’s no longer there, and while Stevenson is only two years into his rookie deal, it’s still possible the team could look to move on from him in a trade.
They might take a chance to get a late draft-day pick, but he wouldn’t be worth more than that due to his poor performance. Stevenson injured his ankle during his rookie year, missing just one game, and had a worthy season to remember in 2023. After posting 65 solo tackles, 16 pass deflections, and four interceptions in 16 games, he wasn’t able to replicate that in the following season. The cornerback recorded a poor PFF overall grade of 58.9, which isn’t the best, but he did put on some type of promising numbers.
Since the Bears are moving into a new regime, it makes sense for them to trade him. One game where there was embarrassment was when Stevenson celebrated too early before the Hail Mary pass from Jayden Daniels, leading to a game-winner. Many fans were calling for his release, so now it might look like these three teams could trade for him.
Breaking: Kyler Gordon Extension Could Signal Tyrique Stevenson Trade
3 Logical Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers’ defense will look dramatically different this upcoming 2025 season. Despite signing Donte Jackson, the team will need to find another replacement. Benjamin St-Juste signing with the team provides some type of upside as a backup, but having Cam Hart as the starter probably wouldn’t work. The Chargers are better off with Stevenson, who can make an impact now.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are not far from Super Bowl contention. However, the team only made a couple of offensive moves during the offseason to strengthen the passing game, signing DeAndre Hopkins to a one-year deal. Even though they’re bringing in cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, the Ravens lost Brandon Stephens in the long haul, so they must find someone who can fill in when veteran Marlon Humphrey can’t. Awuzie had one of the worst 2024 campaigns last season with the Titans, so the team must find someone else to fill the hole.
Either way, the Ravens are going to draft a new cornerback, but they shouldn’t be too reliant on it. This is where Stevenson could come in to give this secondary unit a fighting chance. He won’t win the longevity of starting duties, but it gives 2024 draft pick Nate Wiggins more time to develop.
Carolina Panthers
After extending Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, the Panthers are in good shape at the cornerback position. However, there’s no such thing as too many cornerbacks in this league. If Stevenson can stay humble, he can be a success in the NFL, and he might be a suitable fit for the Panthers, who need a backup cornerback.
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