The Chicago Bears wrapped the preseason with a 24-15 win over the Tennessee Titans, and they'll now have to trim their roster down to 53 players just hours after the game's conclusion. The roster cut deadline looms Sunday at 5 p.m. CT.
There are a number of roster bubble players who are fighting for roster spots and are on the outside looking in, and there are going to be some tough decisions and tough cuts for general manager Ryan Poles. But there are also a good amount of roster locks and players most likely to make the roster.
We're predicting the Bears' roster locks heading into Sunday night's deadline.
Quarterback
- Caleb Williams
- Tyson Bagent
- Case Keenum
The Bears have been set at quarterback since last season with Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum. Williams is coming off an impressive
season where he set a single-season franchise passing record. Just like last season, Chicago elects to carry a third QB to keep a veteran presence like Keenum in the room.
Running back
- D'Andre Swift
- Kyle Monangai
Chicago will once again run it back with their 1-2 punch of D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, who led the NFL's third-best rushing attack in 2025. Swift is coming off a career year, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards, while Monangai eclipsed 700 yards.
Wide receiver
- Rome Odunze
- Luther Burden III
- Kalif Raymond
- Jahdae Walker
- Zavion Thomas
The Bears have a lot of talent at wide receiver to the point where there's just one roster spot up for grabs. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III will lead the charge with Kalif Raymond, Jahdae Walker and standout rookie Zavion Thomas rounding out a speedy and youthful group.
Tight end
- Colston Loveland
- Cole Kmet
- Sam Roush
We've known for some time which tight ends the Bears would carry on the 53-man roster headed into the season. Colston Loveland is coming off an impressive rookie season where he led the team in receptions and receiving. Cole Kmet remains a viable option in the passing game and a solid blocker. Meanwhile, rookie Sam Roush is poised for a big role.
Offensive line
- Joe Thuney
- Darnell Wright
- Jonah Jackson
- Garrett Bradbury
- Braxton Jones
- Logan Jones
- Ozzy Trapilo*
The Bears essentially have their starting offensive line set heading into the regular season with All-Pro Joe Thuney, Darnell Wright, Jonah Jackson and Garrett Bradbury. Braxton Jones is expected to start at left tackle until Ozzy Trapilo returns. If Trapilo doesn't start the season on the physically unable to perform list, he's a lock. If not, it frees up an extra spot.
Defensive line
- Montez Sweat
- Grady Jarrett
- Austin Booker
- Dayo Odeyingbo
- Jordan van den Berg
- Neville Gallimore
Following the trade of Gervon Dexter, things have shaken up along the defensive line. Montez Sweat, Grady Jarrett, Austin Booker and Dayo Odeyingbo are easy locks for the roster. Rookie Jordan van den Berg has more than locked down his spot on the 53-man roster after an impressive summer. Neville Gallimore, signed this offseason, should also make the cut.
Linebacker
- T.J. Edwards
- Devin Bush
- D'Marco Jackson
The Bears have a new starting duo with returning veteran T.J. Edwards, returning from injury, and free-agent addition Devin Bush to lead the charge at linebacker. D'Marco Jackson made a strong impression last season as a reserve, which earned him a contract extension.
Cornerback
- Jaylon Johnson
- Tyrique Stevenson
- Malik Muhammad
- Josh Blackwell
- Clark Phillips III
Jaylon Johnson is healthy and looking to establish himself as one of the NFL's best cornerbacks. Tyrique Stevenson, entering a contract year, is expected to start opposite him. Josh Blackwell is a lock given his special teams contributions, as he's one of the best in the game. If Kyler Gordon doesn't star the season on the active roster, it'll open up opportunities on the roster. Rookie Malik Muhammad has seen action both outside and at nickel, but it sounds like he could be the starting nickel if Gordon isn't ready to go. The Bears just acquired Clark Phillips III from the Falcons, so it's safe to assume they have a plan for him.
Safety
- Dillon Thieneman
- Cam Lewis
- Xavier Woods
- Elijah Hicks
With Coby Bryant expected to miss 4-6 months, it has shaken things up at safety a bit. Rookie Dillon Thieneman will start with Cam Lewis or summer addition Xavier Woods expected to start opposite him. Elijah Hicks, who returned at the end of training camp, should also factor into the mix.
Special teams
- Cairo Santos
- Tory Taylor
- Beau Gardner
The Bears have their core specialists in place with kicker Cairo Santos, punter Tory Taylor and undrafted rookie long snapper Beau Gardner.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 41 players who are locks to make the Chicago Bears' 53-man roster
