Chicago Bears nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon missed a majority of the 2025 regular season. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen needs him healthy to run his defense.
The Chicago Bears' secondary rarely played at full strength last season.
After back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons, Jaylon Jaylon played in just seven regular season games. Tyrique Stevenson missed games because of injuries. Kyler Gordon was placed on injured reserve twice throughout last year, limiting him to just five total games (including the playoffs).
Before the 2025 season, general manager Ryan Poles signed Gordon to a three-year, $40 million contract with $31.25 million guaranteed, indicating the team's confidence to the corneback's projection moving forward.
The 26-year-old played just 213 total defensive snaps and allowed 14 receptions for 177 yards and touchdown. He also broke up two passes and registered two sacks.
This may be obvious, but defensive coordinator Dennis Allen needs Gordon to stay healthy this season to help maxamize his defense's potential. Last season, the Bears utilized their nickel defense 72.5% of the time -- fifth-most in the NFL.
Allen did so despite Gordon's abscence.
The nickel position is commonly used, making it an important one among defensive coordiantors. To combat teams deploying an extra defensive back, offenses are using multiple tight ends, which creates a physical mismatch.
According to Cody Alexander, the author of MatchQuarters, defensive coordiantors are using three "distinct personnel profiles at the Star position."
- The Traditional Third Corner
- The Hybrid Star
- The "Big" Nickel / Apex Safety
Gordon fits the prototype for the hybrid star.
"Physical, long-bodied chess pieces like Trent McDuffie, Kyler Gordon, and rookie Caleb Downs who switch responsibilities seamlessly, playing with line-of-scrimmage physicality and fluid coverage instincts."
Allen didn't have the luxury to use Gordon's versatile skill set much at all last season, limiting the possibilities on certain play calls. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound defensive back understands how to time up his blitz opportunities when he is near the line of scrimmage and, when healthy, can play sticky coverage on opposing receivers.
But to showcase those skills, Gordon needs to prove he can stay healthy. After dealing with soft-tissue injuries last season, Gordon missed time during the offseason program with another soft-tissue injury.
Gordon's latest injury happened in May, which doesn't mean he will be impacted by those types of injuries this upcoming season. Before 2025, Gordon has missed games because of a broken hand, concussion and a hamstring strain.
The Bears' defense is not only complete but a better unit with Gordon on the field. He plays an important position on defense, and Allen can maxamize his abilities if he can remain healthy this season.
