Dennis Allen looking to unlock Kyler Gordon’s potential with Bears
When the Bears signed Kyler Gordon to a three-year, $40 million extension through the 2028 season, it added a new layer of responsibility for the fourth-year defensive back.
Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen spoke to the media from Halas Hall last month and praised Gordon’s impact and versatility on the field.
“Does he go outside and compete at outside corner? Does he compete some at safety? I’ve told him that he needs to be learning both of those spots,” Allen said of Gordon. “We’ll figure out where that second position is where he can go and compete. Hopefully we can find some more playing time for him.”
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Gordon earned a 76 overall grade from PFF in 2024, which was ranked 20th among all 222 qualified cornerbacks. He also played in 78 percent of the team’s snaps in 15 games last season.
In three seasons, he has recorded five interceptions and 17 pass breakups under then-head coach Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme.
Throughout his career, Gordon has seen time at both outside cornerback and nickelback positions.
Allen wants to push that versatility a step further.
“He’s played more outside corner, so obviously that would be the comfort level. Some of the things that I see him do and the way that he fits in the run game tells me that he could be a fit with safety also,” Allen said. “We’ve had guys that have had the flexibility to play a lot of different positions. I think that’s important in today’s football where you’re not just locked into one thing. Being able to be multiple and do a lot of different things.
“That’s something that I think he can do. As we get to know him better, spend more time with him, start to get out on the field with him a little bit more, we’ll have a better feel for where that second position might be, and where we want to try to work him.”