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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bears All-Quarter Century Team: Cornerbacks
Twenty-five years of Chicago Bears football are in the books since the turn of the century. Since the calendar turned over to 2000, the Bears have seen some success, but also plenty of woeful stretches. Early on, Chicago became a defensive force, claiming four division titles and reaching only their second Super Bowl in franchise history from 2000 to 2010. Since then, however, a 14-year playoff victory drought that is still ongoing and a one-sided fight with their rival Green Bay Packers have taken the spotlight. For all the ups and downs the Bears have seen, however, they had plenty of talent over the years across offense and defense. Multiple former Bears players are already in the Hall of Fame, while many more provided years of incredible play in the navy and orange. Here at Bears Wire, we're celebrating the best Bears players at each position over the last 25 years. Next up is cornerback, a group that has featured plenty of ballhawks—and a player who changed the game with forcing fumbles. Charles Tillman We may never see another cornerback quite like Charles "Peanut" Tillman. The lengthy physical defensive back burst onto the scene during his rookie season with the Bears in 2003 when he ripped the ball out of Randy Moss's hands in the end zone to secure a victory, and he became an integral member of Lovie Smith's defense. Tillman ranks third all-time for Bears career interception leaders with 36 and proved to be a great cover corner, having legendary battles with the likes of Calvin Johnson and Jordy Nelson throughout his career. But it was his knack for forcing fumbles that gave him national recognition. Tillman's 44 career forced fumbles are tied for sixth all-time in NFL history, but he's the only defensive back inside the top 10. "The Peanut Punch" became a staple in the 2010s for Tillman's ability to force fumbles on ball carriers. For his efforts, Tillman earned a pair of Pro Bowl honors in 2011 and 2012, as well as being named First-Team All-Pro for his league-leading 10 forced fumbles in 2012. Going against Tillman was difficult in itself for wide receivers, but then they had to watch out if they actually caught the ball. He's one of the most underrated defensive backs in league history and rightfully sits atop the position group for the Bears. Jaylon Johnson Jaylon Johnson has come a long way since his first NFL game when he got trucked by Marvin Jones Jr. The 2020 second-round pick has slowly but surely developed into one of the NFL's best cornerbacks, thanks to his elite cover skills. Johnson may not have the gaudy interception totals like some of his peers, but he's a problem for opposing quarterbacks. So much so that they opt to avoid him altogether. After a solid few seasons in the league, Johnson broke out in 2023, becoming the highest-graded cornerback of the season according to PFF. He allowed an opposing quarterback rating of just 50.9, according to Pro Football Reference, and he nabbed four interceptions. Johnson made his first Pro Bowl that season and was named Second-Team All-Pro. He maintained expectations in 2024 as well, despite a tumultuous season from the team around him. At 26 years old, Johnson is in the prime of his career and has a chance to become the Bears' best cornerback of the 21st century when his career is complete. Kyle Fuller It's easy to forget how wild Kyle Fuller's career was for the Bears. He looked like the heir apparent to Tillman during his rookie season when he shined on the national stage and then was on the verge of becoming a bust in 2016 when he missed the entire season and fell out of favor with Vic Fangio. It took some time, but Fuller found his footing and became a sensational ballhawk beginning in 2017. Despite entering the year as a backup, Fuller became a starter again thanks to injury and didn't let it go. He totaled 22 pass breakups and finally looked like the first-round pick the team invested in three years earlier. Fuller peaked in 2018 with seven interceptions and 21 pass breakups, which led the league, during the Bears' division title run, culminating in a Pro Bowl nod and being named First-Team All-Pro. Fuller took chances playing off the ball and had a knack for jumping routes at the perfect time. It was risky, but he came out on top more often than not. Fuller earned another Pro Bowl trip in 2019 and had a solid end to his Bears career in 2020. It took some time, but Fuller lived up to his potential in the end. Tim Jennings Near the end of the Lovie Smith era, the Bears were in need of a quality cornerback to start opposite Tillman. Nathan Vasher struggled with injuries, and Zackary Bowman was a flash in the pan. The solution was to sign Tim Jennings as a free agent in 2010, and it didn't take him long to become the starter the Bears needed. Jennings helped improve the Bears' run defense early in his tenure and took advantage of the targets that came his way in the passing game when teams were avoiding Tillman. In 2012, Jennings led the league with nine interceptions while also finishing with 21 pass breakups. He earned Pro Bowl honors that season and was named Second-Team All-Pro, finishing just behind Tillman. His strong play continued in 2013, despite the Bears changing regimes and hiring a new defensive staff. Jennings totaled four interceptions and 13 pass breakups. He even scored two defensive touchdowns, which led the league for a defensive player. Despite being undersized at 5'8", Jennings was a productive outside cornerback who played bigger than his frame. Honorable mention: Nathan Vasher
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Justin Tucker, ex-Ravens kicker, suspended for 10 games by NFL
The NFL on Thursday suspended free agent kicker Justin Tucker without pay for the first 10 games of the 2025 regular season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, the league announced Thursday. Tucker, 35, was released by the Baltimore Ravens on May 5 amid a sexual misconduct investigation. The suspension stems from allegations involving inappropriate behavior with multiple female massage therapists. Sixteen women have accused Tucker of misconduct at eight upscale spas in the Baltimore area between 2012 and 2016. He has denied all allegations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo "We are disappointed with the NFL's decision," Tucker's agent, Rob Roche, said in a statement. "Justin has always strived to carry himself in a way that would make his family and community proud. He stands by his previous statements. In order to put this difficult episode behind him and get back on the field as soon as possible, we have advised Justin to accept this resolution and close this matter." Although currently unsigned, Tucker is permitted to serve his suspension while a free agent and will be eligible for reinstatement on November 11. If he signs with a team before then, he may participate in training camp and preseason activities. Live Events Tucker, widely regarded as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, holds the league's all-time record for field goal accuracy at 89.1 percent. He earned seven Pro Bowl nods and was named First-Team All-Pro five times during his 13 seasons with the Ravens. However, his performance declined in 2024, missing eight of 30 field-goal attempts and two extra points - both career highs in misses. With Tucker's departure, the Ravens have moved forward by selecting former Arizona kicker Tyler Loop in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
USA Today
17-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens' under-the-radar CB may force his way into the starting lineup
Ravens' under-the-radar CB may force his way into the starting lineup Underestimate TJ Tampa at your own risk in Baltimore. He has a chance to crack the Ravens' starting lineup. The Baltimore Ravens are in a nice spot. They open mandatory minicamp knowing they're in a position many NFL teams wish they were in. They're a legitimate contender. They're well run. There are no question marks in terms of their starter at the quarterback position. Lamar Jackson is one of the best in the business. John Harbaugh is the NFL's second-longest-tenured head coach. On defense, there are stars, especially in the secondary. Chuck Pagano has returned, and he might have a shot at winning a Super Bowl ring he just missed out on during his last stint here. Chuck knows a thing or two about great secondary play. He spent four years hanging out with that Ed Reed fellow from 2008 until 2011. Fast forward to the present, and the cupboard is anything but bare. Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey are already stars. Malaki Starks is the new kid on the block, and Coach Pagano has already been fine-tuning the rookie. Once minicamp wraps, the Ravens get a mini-break before they dive headfirst into training camp. Chuck will have some interesting decisions to make, including determining who wins an outside cornerback role opposite Nate Wiggins. Can T.J. Tampa catapult himself past Chidobe Awuzie and into a starter's role? Let's do some inventory. If a depth chart had to be introduced today, Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks would obviously be the starters at safety. Nate Wiggins is one of the starters on the outside at cornerback. He's expected to make a leap in year two with the franchise. Marlon Humphrey enjoyed another Pro Bowl season while also being named a First-Team All-Pro. That's the second time he has enjoyed that honor. Humphrey enjoyed his success while playing the slot position, so he's penciled in there. Who's the other outside corner then? Unless another veteran is brought in, that competition will seemingly feature a tussle between Chidobe Awuzie and T.J. Tampa. Watch out for T.J.! Awuzie is the veteran. In eight seasons so far, he has started 81 of his 94 in-game appearances. He has also logged six starts during two postseason runs, but he has been injured. He has played in eight regular-season games or fewer during three of his past five NFL seasons. He has also missed time during OTAs because of a minor ankle injury. Tampa has done what most would expect. He has made a name for himself in Chidobe's absence. Might he catapult himself onto the roster? It's highly possible, but if Baltimore adds another veteran to the mix, it could cloud things. They've been linked to veteran free agent Jaire Alexander. We'll see what happens. In the meantime, it bears repeating. Coach Pagano has some work to do as this offseason rolls on and continues.
Newsweek
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Insider Has Important Update on Potential Eagles Trade Target
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Several notable NFL players are holding out in hopes for a new contract this summer. Fortunately for the Philadelphia Eagles, they seem all good on that front. Still, looking across the league, the Eagles might be keeping their eyes on some sticky situations elsewhere. Recently, there have been some suggestions for Howie Roseman to pounce on an opportunity in Ohio, as the Cincinnati Bengals deal with a holdout situation involving the dominant pass-rusher, Trey Hendrickson. Last week, Hendrickson was one of a handful of star players to miss mandatory minicamp. He wants a new deal, and that's clear. Before camp, Hendrickson and the Bengals were reportedly paused on extension discussions. Trey Hendrickson #91 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium on December 22, 2024. Trey Hendrickson #91 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium on December 22, Sunday, ESPN reported that the two parties are working to get back on the same page. "The two sides have resumed communication on his contract and future with the team, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Sunday," ESPN reported on Sunday. "...This is a positive turn in what has been a fierce stalemate. Hendrickson did not participate in any of the team's offseason workouts, including last week's mandatory minicamp. By missing the three-day session, Hendrickson was subject to fines of nearly $105,000." Carrying four Pro Bowl nods and a First-Team All-Pro acknowledgement, Hendrickson is at the top of his game as a defensive end in the NFL right now. More Eagles News: Eagles Targeted By Disgruntled Ex-Player's Massive Statement While the Bengals could certainly use his services, there are a handful of teams out there who probably wouldn't mind taking him off Cleveland's hands, depending on the cost to acquire the extension-needy star. The Eagles would certainly benefit from an addition like Hendrickson, especially considering the losses they've suffered since winning the Super Bowl. Multiple defensive linemen left in free agency, signing lucrative deals elsewhere. The fact that the Eagles allowed a player like Josh Sweat to walk proved that they are thinking about the future, knowing they need to break the bank on some younger homegrown players. If the rules applied to a guy like Sweat, who spent his entire career with the Eagles, then they would have to apply to Hendrickson as well. Never say never when it comes to Howie Roseman in the trade market, but Hendrickson's chances of going to Philadelphia were already slim. The fact that extension talks have picked back up, that could be a sign that Hendrickson is one of the top names off the trade block soon.
New York Post
15-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Bengals star Trey Hendrickson's messy contract saga takes new twist as talks resume
The Cincinnati Bengals have reopened negotiations with Trey Hendrickson, according to ESPN. Both sides are now communicating again, it appears, offering a pathway to an agreement, which may be reached ahead of training camp. Hendrickson, 30, is one of the NFL's premier pass rushers, having just tied for an NFL-best 17.5 sacks and earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2024. Advertisement The former Florida Atlantic standout also recorded 17.5 sacks in 2023 and has racked up 77 career sacks since entering the league in 2017 as a third-round pick. Trey Hendrickson looks on during the national anthem prior to the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium on February 02, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. Getty Images The contract impasse grew heated earlier this offseason when Hendrickson skipped voluntary workouts and stayed away from mandatory minicamp in June, prompting fines totaling more than $100,000. He even showed up in casual clothing to publicly address the situation. Advertisement 'You try not to let the business become personal,' Hendrickson said in May. 'I think over the last week or so, it's become personal, unfortunately. When there's a lack of communication in any relationship, if it's business or personal relationship, lack of communication leads to animosity, and that leaves my narrative only to me with no clear direction. The lack of direction and communication is leading to things that are allowing me to think about what's going to happen more than how great they have treated me over the last four years.' Trey Hendrickson is a four-time Pro Bowler. Getty Images He had publicly criticized the Bengals' lack of communication and expressed unwillingness to play under his current one-year, $15.8 million base salary. Advertisement Amid Cincinnati allocating significant long-term contracts to core offensive talents like quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Hendrickson has remained steadfast in wanting a new deal himself. Hendrickson has made four straight Pro Bowls and was second in Defensive Player of the Year voting from the Associated Press last season. He has also put up at least 13 sacks across four of his last five seasons.
