The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a hyped 2026 season, where they’re looking to build off their impressive first season under head coach Ben Johnson, which included an NFC North title and a wild-card playoff win. While they found success in 2025, it’s a brand new slate for this Bears team following an offseason of change, including the departures of key veterans and the additions of new veterans and exciting rookies.
The work begins in training camp, where Johnson will put his team through the wringer with the intent to prepare them for the 2026 season. Every day from now right up through training camp, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season. We’ll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.
Next up is cornerback Malik Muhammad at No. 27, a rookie that can make significant contributions on defense with question marks at multiple spots in the secondary.
Background
Position: Cornerback
Age: 21
Experience: 1st season
2026 cap hit: $1.1 million
2025 recap
Muhammad started 11 games for the Texas Longhorns during his final season in Austin, and he finished off an excellent collegiate career in 2025. In those 11 starts, Muhammad totaled 30 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, and four pass breakups. Arguably his best game came against the Longhorns’ upset of Oklahoma in October, where Muhammad totaled two tackles (one for a loss), one pass breakup, and two picks. Though Texas didn’t achieve the same results they did a year earlier, Muhammad maintained his excellent play and earned Second-Team All-SEC for his efforts.
Importance in 2026
Thanks to his final season and his showing during the NFL Combine, Muhammad was viewed as a late Day 2 selection. Fortunately for the Bears, he was still on the board when they were well into the fourth round. Chicago got their guy when they turned Muhammad’s card in, and the pick was seen as excellent value. Muhammad could offer depth at the position behind players like Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson, but hopes are high that he could push for a starting job sooner rather than later. And with how the secondary had numerous injuries, Muhammad will be playing a key role at some point in 2026.
Big question: Will Muhammad play outside or nickel?
There’s little doubt Muhammad will see plenty of action when the season gets underway, but it remains to be seen at which spot. Many believe the rookie corner will push Stevenson for playing time on the outside. After all, Stevenson was the odd man out late last year when Johnson and Nahshon Wright were available. But given his slender frame and questions with Gordon, perhaps he will move inside. Gordon continues to deal with injuries after missing most of last year, and the comments from his head coach don’t paint a pretty picture in regards to his availability. It’s not a stretch to say Gordon could get demoted for Muhammad, but we’ll have to see what the coaching staff thinks of where he is suited best.
30 Most Important Bears of 2026
#30 – QB Tyson Bagent#29 – TE Sam Roush#28 – CB Josh Blackwell#27 – CB Malik Muhammad#26 – Coming 7/3#25 – Coming 7/4#24 – Coming 7/5#23 – Coming 7/6#22 – Coming 7/7#21 – Coming 7/8#20 – Coming 7/9#19 – Coming 7/10#18 – Coming 7/11#17 – Coming 7/12#16 – Coming 7/13#15 – Coming 7/14#14 – Coming 7/15#13 – Coming 7/16#12 – Coming 7/17#11 – Coming 7/18#10 – Coming 7/19#9 – Coming 7/20#8 – Coming 7/21#7 – Coming 7/22#6 – Coming 7/23#5 – Coming 7/24#4 – Coming 7/25#3 – Coming 7/26#2 – Coming 7/27#1 – Coming 7/28
