One thing that's been apparent with this Chicago Bears team since head coach Ben Johnson took over: he's not afraid to make some roster changes.
There will be a lot of fresh faces on the Bears entering their Week 1 showdown against the Carolina Panthers. That could mean that whoever takes the field for the Bears in that game could also face the fate of not being in Chicago next year.
Five players enter this game, potentially thinking it's the last time they'll start the year on the Bears' 53-man roster. These players have played more than one year in Chicago and are in the final year of their contracts.
Which Bears are playing in their final season opener with Chicago?
D'Andre Swift, RB
Swift had a career season in 2025, but at some point, Ben Johnson is going to want to get younger at running back and find a new speed guy who can complement Kyle Monangai's power well. Also, the draft will provide Chicago a cheaper option since Swift is playing well enough to earn a good contract. It doesn't feel like Swift will be back, even if he has another career season for the Bears.
Braxton Jones, LT
Jones was supposed to have this triumphant comeback in Bears training camp, but he ended up not looking so hot. He might end up still starting in Week 1, but there are some questions about his future no matter what. If he plays well, he'll get more money elsewhere, and if he struggles, he still won't be back with the Bears. No matter what happens in 2026, Jones feels like he's taking his final snaps with the team.
Roschon Johnson, RB
Johnson had a good enough preseason to keep his roster spot after his name was on the list to be cut. He rolls into the 2026 season as the third string back, but it might be his last. The Bears might move on from Swift and Johnson to look at younger guys in the 2027 NFL Draft. Johnson hasn't really provided much value in this offense anyway, so why keep him?
Theo Benedet, OT
Benedet has had flashes of being a good offensive tackle, especially in run blocking. He just struggles too much in pass protection to really justify being a starter in the NFL. Watch for him to potentially land elsewhere for more money than the Bears really want to spend on a backup tackle.
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Tyrique Stevenson, CB
It's been a roller coaster ride of four years for Stevenson with the Bears, from the Hail Mary against the Washington Commanders in 2024 to being benched late last year. Stevenson has one more year to prove to the Bears and the NFL that he can be a starter in this league. It feels as though he might be taking his final snaps with the Bears this season.
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