The Chicago Bears are gearing up for an exciting 2026 season, where they're looking to defend their NFC North title and make a return trip to the playoffs in the second year under head coach Ben Johnson.
When looking at this roster, there are some notable departures this offseason, including wide receiver DJ Moore, center Drew Dalman, defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. Cornerback Kyler Gordon also is starting the season on the PUP list.
Meanwhile, the Bears welcomed some new faces to the roster, including safety Coby Bryant (who will miss most of the 2026 season with an injury), linebacker Devin Bush, as well as a rookie draft class including safety Dillon Thieneman, tight end
Sam Roush, receiver Zavion Thomas, cornerback Malik Muhammad and defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg.
When the Bears take on the Carolina Panthers, there could be up to nine new Week 1 starters, between offense, defense and special teams, compared to last year’s team. There have been a number of guys replaced following their departures or because of injuries or upgrades at the position.
Here’s a quick look at those changes from 2025 to 2026.
Wide receiver
2025 Week 1 starter: Luther Burden III
2025 Week 1 starter: DJ Moore
Center
2026 Week 1 starter: Garrett Bradbury
2025 Week 1 starter: Drew Dalman
Defensive tackle
2026 Week 1 starter: Kentavius Street OR Jordan van den Berg OR Neville Gallimore
2025 Week 1 starter: Gervon Dexter
Defensive end
2026 Week 1 starter: Dayo Odeyingbo OR Austin Booker
2025 Week 1 starter: Dayo Odeyingbo
Linebacker
2026 Week 1 starter: Devin Bush
2025 Week 1 starter: Tremaine Edmunds
Nickel cornerback
2026 Week 1 starter: Cam Lewis OR Malik Muhammad OR Clark Phillips
2025 Week 1 starter: Kyler Gordon
Safeties
2026 Week 1 starters: Dillon Thieneman and Xavier Woods OR Cam Lewis
2025 Week 1 starters: Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker
Long snapper
2026 Week 1 starter: Beau Gardner
2025 Week 1 starter: Scott Daly
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: How many new Week 1 starters for the Chicago Bears in 2026?
