Zah Frazier’s Bears exit increases the pressure on Tyrique Stevenson and Malik Muhammad

He came into the league at 6-foot-3 with long arms and 4.36 speed, giving Chicago a developmental press-man option for a defense that values size outside. Bears Wire noted how draft analysts viewed Frazier’s length, speed, and upside as a Bears fit after the 2025 draft.

That profile made sense with Al Harris working with the defensive backs and Dennis Allen running the defense. A long corner who can run is worth a fifth-round pick if the staff believes it can clean up his technique.

The injury list kept him away from games before the personal matter cost him another year. The questions around his technique, change of direction, ball skills, and tackling never had time to improve.

Stevenson’s room for error just got smaller

Stevenson isn’t handed the starting role just because Frazier is gone, but it does put a bigger spotlight on what he does this season.

He brings the experience and physical tools, but needs to cut down on the big errors. The Bears can’t afford a repeat of last year where one side of the field became an obvious target.

A bit of risk comes with his style of play, but the team needs to see more discipline if they’re going to trust him in that spot long term.

The job is his to lose going into camp, but Malik Muhammad isn’t just there to make up numbers—he’s a real contender now that depth has taken another hit.

Even before training camp starts, rookie corner Malik Muhammad already has a real opening for playing time after Frazier’s release.

Muhammad’s rise started during mini-camp when Stevenson was benched after giving up two quick touchdowns. He worked with the first-team defense throughout spring workouts and gave reporters clear feedback on how he adjusted from Baylor’s press-man coverage system:

Frazier’s exit gives Muhammad more opportunity

Muhammad offers a younger option on the outside and represents a player who could develop into a bigger role if Stevenson doesn’t lock it down.

Yahoo Sports’ post-draft depth chart had Chicago sorting through a cornerback room led by Johnson and Kyler Gordon, with Stevenson and Muhammad among the names shaping the outside battle.

It’s still early, so he doesn’t need to win the job right now. But come August, he needs to be in the conversation for serious playing time.

The competition should help everyone involved. Stevenson benefits from having someone push him. Muhammad needs a real look. Smith needs to prove he’s past his injury issues, while Jones has to show that his value on special teams translates to defensive snaps as well.

There’s no reason for Chicago to rush into a signing

The Bears don’t need to react quickly to Frazier’s exit by adding a veteran. There’s still time to assess the group once practices pick up.

They’re set at the top with Johnson and have a strong slot option in Gordon, assuming he stays healthy. The real focus is on finding the second outside corner and building reliable depth behind him.

A veteran addition can wait unless injuries pile up or the competition disappoints. Even then, signing another slot corner wouldn’t address the same need—Frazier was projected as an outside option, and that’s where help might be needed.

The answer could already be on the roster. Stevenson has first dibs, Muhammad has recent draft backing, and both Smith and Jones have opportunities if they show well during camp.

Losing Frazier is tough for both sides, but it does simplify the competition at a spot that now needs someone to step forward.

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