The NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror. Free Agency is (largely) in the rearview mirror. The Chicago Bears’ 2026 roster is taking shape, and it’s time, as we do every year, to give you our way-too-early 53-man roster projection.
Let’s dive in.
Quarterback (3): Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum
I know some fans think that Keenum’s 2-year deal means Bagent could still be on the move. I don’t see it. I see stability in the QB room. Perhaps Bagent could be on the move before the 2027 season, but that’s a conversation for January of 2027, certainly not
in April of 2026
Running Back (4): D’Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai, Roschon Johnson, Alexander Mattison
This room is interesting to me. We know Swift and Monangaiwillo get the load at RB. We know that Johnson will be a special teams player, especially with Travis Homer going elsewhere. But the Johnson regime hasn’t seemed too interested in Roschann as an RB. I think they will want to add a cheap veteran here. Mattison missed last season due to a neck injury he suffered in the preseason and wants to play this year, and would be a good RB3 option for Chicago.
Wide Receiver (5): Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, Kalif Raymond, Jahdae Walker, Zavion Thomas
This group seems completely locked in. It’s always possible the Bears add a sixth WR, but they went with 5 for much of last year, and no reason to think that changes this year.
Tight Ends (3): Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, Sam Roush
The Bears may add a 4th TE to this room, but as long as Roush looks comfortable in the offense in August, I think they just stick with the three. If Roush is coming on slow, you can expect Stephen Carlson to make the 53; if not, he heads to the practice squad.
Offensive Line (11): Ozzy Trapilo (Injured), Darnell Wright, Jonah Jackson, Logan Jones, Joe Thuney, Braxton Jones, Jedrick Wills, Luke Newman, Garrett Bradbury, Caden Barnett, Theo Benedet
Once Ben Johnson arrived, it seemed pretty clear that the Bears were going to start carrying 10 offensive linemen, compared to the traditional 9 that many other teams do. Trapilo starts on either PUP or the IR, depending on where he’s at when the season begins. I think Braxton Jones starts at LT and Logan Jones starts at C (probably week one, if not, by week three or four). Newman, Bradbury, and Benedet all make the 53-man roster as subs. The other two spots, I’m going with Jedrick Wills, with Kiran Amegadjie being cut. I like Wills and think he’s an interesting reclamation project if he’s healthy. The final OL spot I’m giving to UDFA Caden Barnett, who got a hefty signing bonus from the Bears, and they clearly like what they see.
Defensive Ends (6): Cam Jordan, Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Austin Booker, Daniel Hardy, Shemar Turner
I refuse to believe that Ryan Poles thinks his defensive line is adequate. I simply refuse to believe it. By their actions, the New Orleans Saints seem done with Cam Jordan, and I think a familiar face and scheme with Dennis Allen, with the Bears’ need at DE, is a perfect fit for Jordan. Without Jordan, this room is a disaster. With Jordan and Sweat as your starters and Dayo, Booker, and Turner rotating behind them (Hardy for special teams only), the edge suddenly becomes a lot stronger.
Defensive Tackles (4): Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter, Neville Gallimore, Jordan van den Berg
This group may seem light, but with Turner and Odeyingbo being bounced inside for some snaps from time to time, I think the Bears won’t feel like they need as many true DTs on the roster. It wouldn’t stun me if van den Berg ends up on the practice squad, but with his athletic skills, I think there would be a chance a team might try and grab him on their 53. Probably not, but I don’t think the Bears will want to take that risk, since they traded two picks (albeit 7s) to get him.
Linebackers (5): Devin Bush, TJ Edwards, D’Marco Jackson, Ruben Hyppolite, Keyshaun Elliott
I think there’s a chance that Noah Sewell is just given an injury settlement and doesn’t make the team outright. It’s the final year of his contract, and the Bears have a lot of bodies in the LB room. I think the other 5 names here are pretty straightforward. The Bears have 6 guys they can roster, but I think, in the end, fan favorite, Jack Sanborn, slides to the practice squad.
Safeties (4): Dillon Thieneman, Coby Bryant, Cam Lewis, Elijah Hicks
This room is pretty straightforward. Thieneman and Bryant will start. Lewis will be the team’s third safety, and Hicks will play largely on special teams.
Cornerbacks (6): Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, Jaylon Jones, Josh Blackwell, Malik Muhammad
The top three names are locks, and I assume Blackwell is too, with how well he plays on special teams. Muhammad, being a drafted rookie, will almost certainly make the team, but the sixth spot gets interesting. Terell Smith may not make the team, given that it’s the final year of his contract, he’s injury-prone, and he isn’t the best fit for Dennis Allen’s scheme. I think Smith is released, Jaylon Jones makes the 53-man roster, and Zah Frazier heads to the practice squad.
Special Teams (3): Cairo Santos, Tory Taylor, Beau Gardner
Santos and Taylor are locks, but I’m calling Beau Gardner to be the team’s new long snapper, beating out Luke Elkin.
Practice Squad (17):
QB Miller Moss
RB Brittain Brown
RB Coleman Bennett
TE Stephen Carlson
TE Nikola Kalinik (International)
WR JP Richardson
WR Maurice Alexander
OL Jordan McFadden
OL Kyle Hergel
DE Jamree Kromah
DT Kentavius Street
DT Jayden Loving
LB Jack Sanborn
CB Zah Frazier
CB Dallas Flowers
CB Dotae Manning
S Gervarrius Owens
