Bears Eager to Get DBs Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon Back at Full Strength

Acquiring new talent is just one way the Bears can improve in 2026, as they hope two of their best defensive players will be fully healthy.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:34pm

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The Chicago Bears are optimistic about the return of defensive backs Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, who were limited by injuries last season. The team is also excited about the addition of veteran linebacker Devin Bush, who they believe will be a great scheme fit. Defensive backs coach Al Harris is credited with the team's success in takeaways, and the Bears are confident he will continue to develop their secondary.

Why it matters

The Bears had one of the best defenses in the NFL last season, leading the league in takeaways and interceptions. However, they lost several key players in the secondary, so getting Johnson and Gordon back healthy will be crucial to maintaining that level of production. The addition of Bush also strengthens their linebacker corps and should help the defense remain a strength for the team.

The details

Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, two of the Bears' best defensive players, were limited by injuries last season. The team is eager to have them back at full strength for the 2026 season. The Bears also added veteran linebacker Devin Bush, who they believe will be a great scheme fit. Defensive backs coach Al Harris is credited with the team's success in takeaways, and the Bears are confident he will continue to develop their secondary.

  • The Bears had the NFL's best defense in 2025, leading the league in takeaways and interceptions.
  • The Bears lost several key players in the secondary from their 2025 team.

The players

Jaylon Johnson

A starting cornerback for the Bears who was limited by injuries in 2025.

Kyler Gordon

A starting cornerback for the Bears who was limited by injuries in 2025.

Devin Bush

A veteran linebacker who the Bears signed in free agency, and who they believe will be a great scheme fit for their defense.

Al Harris

The Bears' defensive backs coach, who is credited with the team's success in takeaways and is expected to continue developing their secondary.

Richard Smith

The Bears' linebackers coach, who is also praised for the defense's focus on creating turnovers.

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What they’re saying

“You go back and you see in our system, how we viewed him coming out of college, he's one of those guys that had a Bears box. The character matched up with the play style. He's one of those guys. I think he's going to fit in nicely with what we're doing. He's smart. He loves ball. So I feel good that he's going to be a great scheme match.”

— Jaylon Johnson, Bears Cornerback

“He's a phenomenal football coach, obviously, but he's just got a way of teaching these guys to be in a good spot and take the ball away. That's been his 'MO' since he was coaching DBs in Dallas and that carried on over here. That's why I do have confidence, is that he's still with us.”

— Jaylon Johnson, Bears Cornerback

The takeaway

The Bears are poised to have one of the league's top defenses again in 2026, with the return of their star cornerbacks and the addition of a veteran linebacker who fits their scheme. Their defensive backs coach, Al Harris, is credited as a key reason for their success in takeaways, and the team is confident he will continue to develop their secondary.