ESPN mentions Bears as a potential team that could try kicking the tires again on another former Dennis Allen defender in free agency
Should the Chicago Bears make another run at acquiring CB Alontae Taylor?
The Chicago Bears have one plan this offseason and that plan is to give defensive coordinator Dennis Allen the reigns to add whatever pieces he needs to overhaul his defense going into the 2026 season.
Offensively, head coach Ben Johnson’s unit is set outside of adding some competition at left tackle and potentially replacing wide receiver DJ Moore if he’s traded. The defense, however, needs some major upgrades at all three levels.
The only defensive position that seems secure is cornerback, even with Nahshon Wright slated to hit free agency. But, if Allen wishes to add another player to the position, the Bears shouldn’t look past that wish. And one free agent could be an option that Allen’s already shown interest in adding.
Could CB Alontae Taylor be a player the Bears go after again in free agency?
The Bears, on paper, are set to go into the 2026 season with Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Zah Frazier, Terell Smith, and Josh Blackwell all under contract at the cornerback position. That’s already a solid core for the Bears to roll with, but who’s to say Allen wouldn’t want another option to potentially start opposite Johnson on the outside.
If he does, a name to watch is former New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor. Before last season’s trade deadline, the Bears kicked the tires on trading for Taylor with Johnson and Gordon dealing with injuries. And that interest even came after the Bears signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson. But, no deal ever came together before the deadline.
On Tuesday, ESPN listed some of the top free agents and potential best fits. Taylor was the 12th ranked free agent and while his best fit was the Los Angeles Rams, Matt Bowen also listed the Bears as a team that could be a good fit. And it makes sense, because his tape in Allen’s scheme was great.
Taylor has versatility to play inside or outside and would be another chess piece for Allen to play around with. By having Taylor, Johnson, and Gordon, Allen could line that trio up anywhere on the field to constantly confuse the defense. Taylor also has 7.0 career sacks and could be an option for Allen to use on designed blitzes as well.
The problem is, Taylor is expected to have a strong market as one of the top young free agent cornerbacks and that could raise his price out of Chicago’s range. But, if the money makes sense and Allen wants another shot at bringing Taylor in, it’s a move the Bears should consider making.
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