Bad news keeps coming in for the Chicago Bears. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Courtney Cronin announced that Pro-Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson is out indefinitely with a groin injury.
To make matters worse, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that Johnson is “likely to miss the rest of the regular season with a groin injury that will require surgery.”
The Bears’ cornerback room isn’t the same without Johnson.
Opposing quarterbacks have a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeting cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, which is the highest in the NFL. And with Terell Smith already out for the season, that leaves Stevenson and Nahshon Wright as the two starting cornerbacks. That said, here are a few of the top available options the Bears could pursue.
Top Available Cornerback Options
Stephon Gilmore
Despite being the oldest player on the list (34), Stephon Gilmore was still a very productive cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings last season. The former Defensive Player of the Year tallied 56 total tackles, one interception, and nine pass deflections in 15 games. He could be a low-risk option for the Bears.
Asante Samuel Jr.
This is where things get interesting. If the Bears were to bring in Asante Samuel Jr., he wouldn’t be available to play right away.
The reason? Samuel Jr. will undergo a CT scan in October to ensure a successful spinal fusion, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. He also reported that several teams have kept in touch with Samuel, and he plans to sign with a team for the second half of the year. At just 25 years old, Samuel Jr. could become a long-term piece of the Bears’ defense, but the problem is his injury status.
In 50 career games with the Los Angeles Chargers over the past four seasons, Samuel Jr. has racked up 176 total tackles, six interceptions, and 37 pass deflections.
Kendall Fuller
How about bringing in former Bears standout cornerback Kyle Fuller’s brother, Kendall Fuller? Last season for the Miami Dolphins, Fuller logged 50 total tackles and seven pass deflections in 11 games. He’s not going to be a long-term option by any means, but he can provide some much-needed depth to a shaky cornerback room.
Riq Woolen (via Trade)
Seattle Seahawks fans seem to have an indifferent opinion of cornerback Riq Woolen.
Woolen, who was a Pro Bowler as a rookie in 2022, hasn’t played at that level the past season, but is playing on the last year of his rookie contract. If the Seahawks don’t see him being a part of their long-term plans, they could try to get whatever draft capital they can, while the Bears could have what’s essentially a “one-year rental” to see if Woolen is worth extending.
Mike Macdonald lauded Riq Woolen for how he bounced back vs. Pittsburgh and for his hustle play to track down Jaylen Warren on his 65-yard catch and run.
That drive ended two plays later with Derion Kendrick’s end zone interception, so Woolen helped save seven points. pic.twitter.com/cYtgVgVmpe
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) September 15, 2025
He fits what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen covets as a larger corner at 6’4″ and 210 pounds, and Woolen has tallied 169 total tackles, 11 interceptions, and 42 pass deflections in 50 career games since 2022.
Main Image: Mike Dinovo – Imagn Images
