The 2026 NFL season is fast approaching, and for the Chicago Bears, this campaign carries an undeniable weight. After a turbulent 2025 season that saw the arrival of head coach Ben Johnson and offensive coordinator Press Taylor, the Bears are now expected to take a significant step forward. The roster has been reshaped through free agency and the draft, and the front office, led by general manager Ryan Poles, has assembled a group that looks deeper and more talented on paper than at any point in recent memory.
According to recent analyses from reputable sources including Bear Goggles On and USA Today's Bears Wire, a projected depth chart for the Bears has emerged, offering a glimpse into how the team might line up when the season kicks off. While these projections are always subject to change based on training camp battles and injury developments, they provide a valuable roadmap for what Bears fans can expect in 2026. Let's break down the key takeaways and the most intriguing competitions across the roster.
Quarterback: Caleb Williams in Command
The most important position on the field is settled. Rookie sensation Caleb Williams (#18) enters his second season as the unquestioned starter. After a promising but inconsistent rookie campaign, the pressure is on Williams to elevate his game under the guidance of Johnson and Taylor. The Bears have surrounded him with talent, and now it's about execution on the field.
The backup role is a battle worth monitoring. Tyson Bagent (#17) has been a reliable No. 2, and veteran Case Keenum (#11) remains in the fold to lend experience. The Bears also have rookie Miller Moss actively competing for third-string duties. Keenum's veteran savvy positions him as the favorite backup currently, but camp battles could shift those pecking orders.
Running Back: Swift Leads a Deep Backfield
The backfield is fronted by D'Andre Swift (#4), brought in to be the explosive, dual-threat weapon envisioned by the Bears' front office. Swift's ability as a runner and receiver is critical, but his injury history makes depth behind him essential.
Roschon Johnson (#23) continues as a strong complementary back, a powerful runner with value on passing downs. Depth includes Brittain Brown (#38), Deion Hankins (#36), and rookie Kyle Monangai (#25), who brings power running credentials and could carve a role if he impresses in camp. The depth chart projects Swift as starter with Johnson as primary backup, while the remaining backs vie for situational and roster spots.
Wide Receiver: Loaded with Potential
Chicago's wide receiver room stands as one of the most exciting groups in the NFL. Rome Odunze (#15), the Bears' first-round pick in 2024, continues as the primary receiving threat entering his third NFL season. His size, speed, and route-running precision position him as a true WR1.
Joining Odunze is rookie standout Luther Burden III (#10), who brings electrifying playmaking ability and strong yards-after-catch prowess, especially in the slot. Veteran Kalif Raymond (#14) offers reliable depth and extensive special teams value.
Additional contributors include Maurice Alexander (#13), JP Richardson (#83), Jahdae Walker (#9), and Zavion Thomas, rounding out a deep and versatile receiving corps. The projected starters feature Odunze, Burden, and Raymond, while competition for depth spots remains fierce.
Tight End: Kmet Anchors an Emerging Duo
The tight end room features Cole Kmet (#85), a dependable receiving option and red-zone threat whose steady play anchors the position. The Bears' investment in rookie Colston Loveland (#84), an athletic marvel drafted early in 2025, signals a commitment to expanding their offensive flexibility.
Loveland's ability to flex between inline tight end and wide receiver creates matchup nightmares for opposing linebackers and safeties. Depth includes Stephen Carlson (#88), Qadir Ismail (#80), and Nikola Kalinic (#86), plus developmental players Sam Roush and Hayden Large. The Bears are poised to deploy a dynamic two-tight end attack with Kmet and Loveland at the forefront.
Offensive Line: Solidified and Versatile
Offensive line improvements have been substantial. Returning tackle Braxton Jones (#70) faces competition from Kiran Amegadjie (#72) and veteran Jedrick Wills Jr. (#71), who joined the Bears seeking a fresh start after his first-round draft status.
Darnell Wright (#58) holds firm at right tackle. The interior line boasts free-agent signee Joe Thuney (#62) at left guard alongside Jonah Jackson (#73) on right guard. Center duties belong to Garrett Bradbury (#67), bringing consistency and athleticism.
Depth includes Kyle Hergel (#60), Jordan McFadden (#74), and Caden Barnett competing at guard spots, with Theo Benedet (#79), Luke Newman (#65), and Ozzy Trapilo (#75) contending as swing tackles. The projected starting five--Jones, Thuney, Bradbury, Jackson, Wright--is arguably the strongest offensive line the Bears have fielded in a decade, and the left tackle competition will be a key storyline in training camp.
Defensive Line: Power and Depth
The defensive front is led by perennial Pro Bowler Montez Sweat (#98), one of the league's premier edge rushers. Complementing him is Dayo Odeyingbo (#55), a promising young talent stepping into an expanded role. Veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (#50) brings leadership and interior disruption after signing in free agency.
Promising interior lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. (#99) is expected to make significant strides in his third season. Depth includes edge rushers Austin Booker (#94), Jonathan Garvin (#52), Daniel Hardy (#92), and Jeremiah Martin (#69). Defensive tackles Neville Gallimore (#90), James Lynch (#97), Kentavius Street (#93), along with rookie Shemar Turner (#95), provide rotational strength.
Starting projected lineups likely place Sweat and Odeyingbo at defensive end, with Jarrett and Dexter anchoring defensive tackle. This group is vital for generating pressure and supporting defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's scheme.
Linebackers: Experience and Youth Blend
Middle linebacker T.J. Edwards (#53) remains the defensive heartbeat. Alongside him, former first-round pick Devin Bush (#12) aims to revitalize his career and push for a starting spot. Jack Sanborn (#57) and Noah Sewell (#44) offer reliable depth and special teams ability.
Additional bodies competing for roles include Nephi Sewell (#45), D'Marco Jackson (#48), Dominique Hampton, and Ruben Hyppolite II (#47). The Edwards-Bush pairing will be key for stopping the run and covering tight ends.
Secondary: Lockdown Corners and Developing Safeties
All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson (#1) anchors a talented secondary, lined up opposite press-man corner Tyrique Stevenson (#29), who has shown marked development. Dynamic nickel corner Kyler Gordon (#6) bolsters the three-cornerback set, offering exceptional versatility.
Cornerback depth includes Terell Smith (#32), Josh Blackwell (#39), Dallis Flowers (#37), Zah Frazier (#35), Cam Lewis (#21), Dontae Manning (#27), Jaylon Jones (#33), and rookies KC Eziomume and Malik Muhammad. This depth allows the Bears to tailor coverage schemes effectively.
At safety, starters are projected as Coby Bryant (#2) and Elijah Hicks (#22), supported by Gervarrius Owens (#30) and rookies Dillon Thieneman and Skyler Thomas. While the safety spots remain less proven compared to cornerbacks, athleticism and potential are evident.
Special Teams: Dependable and Young Talent
Kicking duties are handled by longtime reliable Cairo Santos (#8), while rookie punter Tory Taylor (#19) impressed as a rookie with his ability to control field position. The long snapper competition involves Luke Elkin (#46) and Beau Gardner, each vying for the starting role.
Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower oversees a core group that includes coverage stars like Maurice Alexander, Kalif Raymond, Jack Sanborn, and Josh Blackwell, emphasizing discipline and tackling fundamentals.
The Bottom Line
This projected depth chart illustrates a roster that is no longer in rebuilding mode. The Bears have invested heavily in their offensive line, added elite weapons at receiver and tight end, and fortified the defensive front. The biggest storylines during training camp will be the competition at left tackle, the development of Caleb Williams at quarterback, and how quickly new additions like Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland can make an impact.
Head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen have assembled the tools to compete in the fiercely competitive NFC North. The 2026 season will ultimately hinge on turning this promising potential into tangible wins on the field. If this depth chart holds, Chicago possesses the talent, coaching, and depth to challenge for playoff contention.
The countdown to kickoff is on. Bear down.
