The Bears still have some spots to address on their defense, and Arizona's Treydan Stukes fits what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen wants in his unit.
Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen values versatility.
When the veteran coach first arrived in Chicago, he emphasized the importance of cross-training his players across different positions. Last April, the Bears’ defensive coordinator described position flexibility as “important in today’s football.”
So that particular trait can provide a blueprint for what Bears general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Ben Johnson and Allen are looking for as they retool a defense that lost many key contributors from a season ago.
And the Bears are doing some additional research on one player who also brings versatility to his game: Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound playmaker started as a walk-on for the Wildcats but played six seasons at Arizona and was named one of eight captains in 2023.
In his sixth and final season, Stukes played 608 defensive snaps and accumulated 34 total tackles, four interceptions, six pass breakups and allowed zero touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus.
His best game from that season occurred in Week 7 against BYU. Stukes finished with a season-high 82.2 defensive grade on his way to securing an interception, breaking up one pass and securing five total tackles.
In terms of his alignment throughout his six-year career, Stukes has primarily played in the slot (1,122 snaps) but has 916 snaps at corner and another 461 snaps in the box, which emphasizes the versatility factor he would bring to a defense.
A reason why Stukes played six seasons in college was because he tore his ACL in 2024, limiting him to just 195 total defensive snaps. However, he bounced back with his most productive season in his collegiate career.
The Bears had a formal meeting with Stukes at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. He also ran a 4.33 40-yard dash, which is some serious speed at the position.
Obviously, the Bears met with Stukes before the team signed safety Coby Bryant on a three-year, $40 million contract. But there is still an open safety position after Jaquan Brisker left in free agency for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Stukes and Bryant on the back end of the Bears' defense would give Allen plenty of flexibility to use both players interchangeably depending on the play call.
According to Bleacher Report, Stukes is projected as a "high-level backup with starter upside" and has a third-round grade. The Bears have the No. 89 overall pick in the third round.
If Poles hasn't used one of his first three picks within the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, then Stukes could be an option to continue adding those versatile playmakers that Allen wants in his defense.