Now that the 2026 NFL Draft is fully behind us and free agency is months in the rear view, the Chicago Bears are set to start focusing on minicamps, OTAs, and eventually, training camp.
By the time we get to training camp, some roster narratives could be forming. Based on players drafted or signed this offseason, some veterans may be at risk of losing their jobs or playing time.
But, should the Bears choose to forget these guys one way or another? Or do they still present value to the club?
3 key Chicago Bears veterans still retain value even after notable offseason moves
Jahdae Walker, WR
Coming on as a fan favorite in the preseason and then getting a huge moment against the Packers, wide receiver Jahdae Walker could have walked into being the Bears' WR3 this year. Fans would have been just fine with that, too.
But the Bears went out and signed Kalif Raymond and drafted Zavion Thomas in the third round. Those moves immediately pushed Walker back on the depth chart.
While Thomas may be more of a special teams guy and take some time to develop as an offensive weapon, he is still a product of high draft capital. That means something.
By no means should the Bears place Walker back on the bench. He still deserves some snaps. He proved to be valuable. Walker has a pair of good hands and has proven clutch in a limited sample. The former undrafted Texas A&M product deserves touches.
Roschon Johnson, RB
Roschon Johnson took two carries all of last season. Fortunately, that means D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai were able to stay healthy. But what happens if either one of them were to go down with an injury?
Johnson might look cuttable on one hand, but who do the Bears have behind hIm? Answer: Brittain Brown, Deion Hankins, and undrafted free agent Coleman Bennett.
Chicago didn't make a move at running back this offseason; they need Johnson on this team -- for now. As a former fourth-round pick, the Bears can't give up on Johnson just yet. They have yet to prove that they are ready to do so.
Tyrique Stevenson, CB
After the Bears selected Malik Muhammad in the fourth round of this year's draft, it didn't take a genius to realize that Chicago essentially just drafted Tyrique Stevenson's replacement. However, to root for Muhammad to replace Stevenson right away would be foolish.
The Bears need Stevenson to have a massive year in 2026. First of all, it's what's best for the team. If Stevenson plays well, then that's one more reason this defense can succeed.
The Bears don't want to have to toss a rookie into being a starter right away, but even more importantly, Stevenson has the chance to earn a big payday in 2027. If and when Stevenson signs elsewhere as a free agent next offseason, the Bears could get a nice compensatory pick in the draft -- something they were supposed to get this year but didn't.
Read more: Former Bears RB gets one more shot as career hangs in the balance
The Bears need Stevenson, and he needs the Bears (in 2026). That much is true. To count Muhammad as putting his job in danger already would be jumping the gun.
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