Chicago Bears Select Texas Cornerback Malik Muhammad with No. 124 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft The Chicago Bears strengthened their defensive backfield by selecting Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad with the 124th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The team moved up five spots in the draft order by trading with the Carolina Panthers to secure Muhammad, who brings versatility and coverage skills to Chicago’s secondary. Muhammad, a 6-foot, 182-pound defensive back from Dallas, appeared in 41 games with 29 starts over three seasons for the Texas Longhorns. During his collegiate career, he recorded 97 tackles, three interceptions, 16 pass breakups, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.0 sack. His 2025 season included 30 tackles, two interceptions, and four pass breakups in 11 games played. The Bears targeted Muhammad for his athletic profile, highlighted by a 4.42-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine. National scout John Syty noted Muhammad’s ability to play both man and zone coverage, describing him as a “combo guy” who can contribute in multiple defensive roles. Muhammad himself emphasized his versatility, stating he can play cornerback, nickel, and various coverage schemes including man, zone, pattern match, and blitz packages. Chicago acquired the 124th pick by trading their original No. 129 and No. 144 selections to Carolina in exchange for picks No. 124 and No. 166. The move allowed the Bears to address a necessitate created by the departure of Nahshon Wright in free agency. Muhammad is expected to compete for playing time alongside Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith during training camp and the preseason. Initial evaluations of the selection have been positive, with analysts noting Muhammad’s coverage abilities and potential to develop into a starting role. His skill set is seen as a complementary fit opposite established cornerback Jaylon Johnson, one of the NFL’s top coverage defenders.
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