The administrative engine of the NFL offseason has begun to turn for the Chicago Bears. On January 27, 2026, the team announced the signing of 14 players to reserve/future contracts, marking the first official personnel moves aimed at building the 2026 squad.
These signings are a standard procedural step following the conclusion of a team's season. Players who were not on an active 53-man roster or standard practice squad at the season's end—often including members of the practice squad, injured reserve, or tryout players—are eligible for these contracts. By signing a futures deal, a player is secured to the Bears' roster for the upcoming league year, which begins in March, and will be part of the 90-man offseason roster for training camp.
While the specific names of the 14 players were not immediately detailed in the public announcement, this group typically comprises young, developmental talent the organization wishes to evaluate further. It often includes recent draft picks who spent their rookie year on the practice squad, undrafted free agents from the previous season, or other prospects the coaching staff wants to work with during spring OTAs and summer camp.
This move is the foundational layer of roster construction. It allows the Bears to retain depth and potential they have already identified within their system before the frenzy of free agency and the draft begins. These 14 players will compete for spots on the 2026 roster, providing essential camp bodies and, potentially, uncovering a diamond in the rough as the team prepares for the new season.