Adding more talent in the cornerback room was a priority for head coach Brandon Staley this offseason.
Staley hit a home run with the addition of All-Pro J.C. Jackson. However, the work was not done, as Staley went out and signed veteran Bryce Callahan, a player he was familiar with during his time as the outside linebackers coach with the Broncos.
Up to this point in training camp, Callahan is proving to be worth the investment. He has broken up multiple passes since the start and, most recently on Friday, on a throw intended for Keenen Allen over the middle.
Callahan was acquired to start right away in the slot, a position formerly held by Chris Harris Jr.
“That’s home for Bryce,” defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill said of Callahan playing inside. “He’s done it since he came into the national football league.
He also has a great ability to play outside. But we know his strong suit is playing inside. He’s calm in there. He’s seen a lot. And he has the quickness and speed to guard pretty much anybody that goes in that slot.”
Callahan also has experience as a boundary corner, but those starting spots will be locked down by Jackson and second-year Asante Samuel Jr.
Staying healthy is key for Callahan, who has played very well when he’s seen the field. He’s landed on injured reserve with an array of lower-body injuries in the past three seasons, including last season when a knee injury robbed him of six games.
In Callahan’s six-year career with the Bears and Broncos, he’s accrued 194 tackles, 29 passes defended, and six interceptions across 66 total games and 45 starts.