The Chicago Bears are back on the grass.
Phase two of the team's 2026 offseason program kicked off today at Halas Hall, and for the first time this spring, the pads may not be on yet, but the football activity level ratcheted up significantly. Players were spotted running individual drills, position group work, and the first real taste of organized team concepts under head coach Ben Johnson and his revamped coaching staff.
For a team that has undergone significant roster turnover over the past several months--and one that enters the summer with legitimate playoff expectations--every rep in May matters.
Let's break down what we saw, who stood out, and what Phase 2 means for a Bears team trying to build on last year's foundation.
What Is Phase 2, Exactly?
For those new to the NFL calendar, Phase 2 of the offseason program is when on-field work expands beyond strength and conditioning. Under league rules, teams can conduct "on-field workouts" that include individual player instruction and drills, as well as "perfect practice" drills with no live contact. No offense vs. defense drills. No 7-on-7. No 11-on-11.
But it's still football.
It's the first time quarterbacks can throw to receivers in a structured setting with coaching oversight. It's the first time offensive linemen and defensive linemen can work on footwork and hand placement against air or bags. And it's the first real test of how well new acquisitions have absorbed their playbooks.
For the Bears, that's a big deal.
New Faces, New Energy
The most notable element of today's session wasn't just the drills--it was the personnel.
Quarterback Caleb Williams was out there early, working with the wide receiver group on route timing and release concepts. The second-year signal-caller looked sharp, showing improved footwork and a faster release than what we saw late last season. That's a testament to the work he's put in this winter, and also to the offensive system being installed by coordinator Press Taylor.
Joining Williams in the QB room were veteran Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent, alongside rookie Miller Moss. The room has a good mix of experience, youth, and competition--though there's no question who the starter is.
At wide receiver, the Bears trotted out a deep and versatile group. Rome Odunze, the team's first-round pick from a year ago, looked smooth in and out of his breaks. Luther Burden III, a dynamic new addition this offseason, flashed the explosive speed and quickness that made him a coveted target on the open market. Kalif Raymond, Maurice Alexander, JP Richardson, and Jahdae Walker also rotated in, giving the team enviable depth on the perimeter and in the slot.
The tight end room also got plenty of work. Cole Kmet remains the veteran leader, but rookie Colston Loveland drew attention with his size and catch radius. The Bears are clearly going to feature multiple tight-end sets, and both players looked comfortable in the early install.
Offensive Line: Stability in Progress
One of the biggest offseason storylines for the Bears was the overhaul of the offensive line--and Phase 2 is the first opportunity to see how those moves are coming together.
The Bears added Jedrick Wills Jr., Joe Thuney, Garrett Bradbury, and Jonah Jackson in a major push to solidify protection for Williams. All four were on the field today, along with holdovers Braxton Jones, Darnell Wright, Kiran Amegadjie, and Theo Benedet.
The unit has size, experience, and positional versatility. Bradbury at center seemed to be calling protections with authority. Thuney--a 4-time Pro Bowl guard--was coaching up younger linemen between reps. That kind of veteran presence is invaluable during these early, no-contact phases.
Poles and Johnson made it clear this winter that protecting Williams was the top priority. Based on the early work, that message has been received.
Defensive Look: New Additions Up Front
On the other side of the ball, new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has plenty of toys to work with.
The Bears added significant talent along the defensive line this offseason, headlined by Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo. Both were active during today's drills, working on pass-rush moves and hand-fighting techniques. Jarrett, in particular, looked explosive--a promising sign for a player who can disrupt both the run and pass game from the interior.
They join a line that already features Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter Sr., Austin Booker, and a host of rotational pieces like Kentavius Street, Shemar Turner, and James Lynch. If this group stays healthy, it has the potential to be one of the deeper units in the NFC.
In the secondary, the Bears boast a mix of established starters and young talent. Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson held down the corner spots, while Kyler Gordon worked primarily in the slot. Kevin Byard (listed as Coby Bryant in the roster notes) and Elijah Hicks handled safety duties.
The defensive backs worked on ball drills, backpedal technique, and route recognition. Johnson, as expected, looked like the lockdown corner he's proven to be.
Special Teams and Notable Absences
Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower had his units out early. Cairo Santos was drilling field goals from various distances, while rookie punter Tory Taylor boomed kicks with the leg strength that got him drafted a year ago. The Bears' special teams unit should be a strength again this season.
As for absences--there were a few players not spotted during the media-access portion of practice. That's not uncommon in Phase 2, especially for veterans who may be working through minor offseason maintenance or personal schedules. Nothing to read into at this point.
What This All Means
Phase 2 isn't where seasons are made. No one wins a division in May. But it is where habits are formed.
For a Bears team that has a new head coach, a new offensive coordinator, a new defensive coordinator, and over a dozen new faces on the roster, every single rep of installation matters. The more time Caleb Williams gets with his pass-catchers. The more snaps Joe Thuney and Braxton Jones take together. The more looks Grady Jarrett can get against this revamped offensive line.
That's the value of today.
Ben Johnson has talked openly about wanting to build a "program, not a team." That starts with culture, and culture starts with the little things--showing up on time, knowing your assignment, competing every rep.
Today, the Bears showed they're ready to do that.
The pads come on later this summer. The games start in September. But for now, the foundation is being laid--one Phase 2 practice at a time.
The Bigger Picture
The Bears enter 2026 with a roster that, on paper, looks deeper and more talented than the one that took the field a year ago. That's a credit to Ryan Poles and his front office, who have methodically addressed nearly every weakness.
But paper doesn't win games. Chemistry does. Scheme does. Execution does.
And that's what makes these early practices worth paying attention to. We're not looking for who looks good in shorts, but we are looking for who's locked in, who's communicating, and who's buying into the new system.
From what we saw today, the early returns are encouraging.
The Bears will continue Phase 2 work for the next several weeks before transitioning to organized team activities (OTAs) and eventually mandatory minicamp. The offseason program is a marathon, not a sprint--but today marked a meaningful step forward.
Stay tuned. This team is just getting started.