The Bears’ previous coaching staff spent two seasons trying this experiment before allowing Gordon to blossom in a full-time slot- and box-coverage role last season. Perhaps, Allen can succeed where others have failed. His intent is to “find some more playing time” for Gordon, which is understandable given Gordon’s significant on-field impact last year.

Gordon produced career highs in both forced incompletions (six) and tackles for loss or no gain (eight) as a full-time slot- and box-coverage defender last year. The Bears initially tasked him with a part-time perimeter role in his 2022 rookie season, but the 6-foot, 200-pound player has found his groove as a centerfield disruptor. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “the deal now makes Gordon the NFL’s highest-paid slot corner.” Gordon has missed two-to-four games in each of his three NFL seasons, though the injuries are promisingly unrelated. The former Washington Husky is the first pick of Bears GM Ryan Poles’ tenure.

“Kyler is a guy we want part of this moving forward,” Poles said. Gordon blossomed in 2024 with a career-best 76.0 PFF coverage grade, mostly playing in the slot. Gordon has yet to play a full 17 games, maxing out at 15 last year, but has 17 passes defensed and five picks in three NFL season.

Safety Jaquan Brisker remains out with a concussion. Gordon did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday before getting in a limited session to close the week, giving him a shot at returning to the lineup on Sunday. Gordon has one pass breakup, two TFLs, and two fumble recoveries this year. With multiple key defenders questionable or already ruled out, Chicago’s elite defense could be an easier matchup than expected for Kyler Murray.