Chicago Bears Urged To Sign Former All-Pro Cornerback After Jaylon Johnson Injury News
The Chicago Bears’ 2025 season is quickly spiraling into a defensive disaster. After a historically poor start, the situation has gone from bad to worse with the news that cornerback Jaylon Johnson is out indefinitely with a significant groin injury. For a secondary that was already struggling, losing its top cover corner is a devastating blow. As the team scrambles for answers, a proven veteran remains available on the free-agent market who could provide an immediate solution: former All-Pro Stephon Gilmore.
For a team in desperate need of stability, experience, and competence, making a call to Gilmore is not just a logical next step; it’s a necessary one. The Bears are in no position to be selective, and Gilmore represents the most qualified candidate to help stop the bleeding in a beleaguered secondary.
The Chicago Bears Should Call Stephon Gilmore
The Bears’ defense has been porous, to put it mildly. Through two games, the unit has been unable to stop anyone, culminating in a 52-point collapse against the Detroit Lions. With Johnson now sidelined for an extended period, the cornerback room is alarmingly thin. Relying on young, unproven players to step into starting roles against high-powered offenses is a recipe for continued failure.
This is where Stephon Gilmore’s value becomes immediately apparent. While he may be entering the twilight of his career at 35, Gilmore is a five-time Pro Bowler and a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. He is a savvy, high-IQ player who understands route concepts and quarterback tendencies at an elite level. His mere presence on the field and in the locker room would provide a stabilizing force for a young defensive backfield that is currently in disarray.
Adding a player of Gilmore’s stature would provide instant credibility and leadership. He can serve as an on-field coach for the younger corners and bring a sense of calm and professionalism to a unit that has looked lost.
Proven Production and Recent Performance
Concerns about Gilmore’s age are valid, but his recent performance suggests he still has plenty left in the tank to be a quality contributor. Just last season, he started 15 games for the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, proving he can handle the rigors of a full season. In that role, he recorded 56 tackles and nine pass deflections, demonstrating that he can still be effective in coverage.
Advanced metrics support the eye test. In 2024, Pro Football Focus gave Gilmore a respectable overall grade of 63.9. While that number doesn’t reflect his prime All-Pro form, it ranked him as a serviceable starter among a large pool of qualifying cornerbacks. For a Chicago defense that has been gashed for 73 points over its last five quarters of play, “serviceable” would be a significant upgrade.
Gilmore has demonstrated an ability to adapt his game as he has aged, relying more on intelligence and positioning than pure athleticism. This skill set is exactly what the Bears need—a smart, reliable veteran who can execute his assignment and avoid the catastrophic breakdowns that have plagued the defense.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Solution
Signing Stephon Gilmore would not be a long-term fix, but the Bears are in a situation that demands immediate triage. The goal right now is to become competitive and stop the freefall. Gilmore represents a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay immediate dividends. As a free agent, he could be signed to a team-friendly, one-year contract.
The Bears have invested heavily in their defense, but that investment is yielding no returns. Bringing in a proven commodity like Gilmore would be a proactive step to salvage the season and provide some semblance of respectability to the defensive unit. General Manager Ryan Poles needs to address this glaring weakness, and Gilmore is the most logical and impactful option available.
The defense is broken, and Jaylon Johnson’s injury has only deepened the crisis. The time for waiting and hoping for internal improvement is over. The Bears need to make a move, and signing Stephon Gilmore is the right one.
