The 2026 season is nearing the beginning, and the Chicago Bears are riding high with some players needing to step up.
Chicago's margin for error is at its thinnest. Expectations have risen, and this Bears team is ready for a Super Bowl.
Six players on the Bears are in the hot seat and must play well if they want to keep their jobs. Here's a look at all of them.
Which Bears players are on the hot seat in 2026?
Dayo Odeyingbo, EDGE
One sack in eight games before his injury and losing the rest of the season isn't a great first impression on Bears fans. Odeyingbo may not always get sacks, but he can pressure the quarterback. This season, he needs to do both before the Bears start considering him a trade option in 2026.
Braxton Jones, LT
Jones has so much on the line in 2026 for his Bears and NFL future. A good start to the season at left tackle could earn him a job elsewhere in the offseason. Anything short of improving on the 2025 campaign, and he might be doomed to a career as a backup.
T.J. Edwards, LB
If Edwards' contract were more team-friendly, he might have been cut or traded during the offseason with Tremaine Edmunds. Now, Edwards has to step up and play the best football of his career. While he gets tackles, it doesn't translate into the best results on the field, so he could leave Chicago if he doesn'timprover.
Tyrique Stevenson, CB
Stevenson's last two years in Chicago have been rough. He allowed a Hail Mary touchdown that has haunted him since 2024 and was benched by the end of last season. No one needs a huge season more than Stevenson does in 2026 if he wants to start elsewhere or keep the Bears as a starter.
Grady Jarrett, DT
No more Gervon Dexter St. to bail Jarrett out, so the veteran needs to step up. Last year, Jarrett really struggled, but despite that, he at least brings the leadership the defense needs. Things cannot go south on the defensive line, or the Bears will make major changes up front to get things on track.
Read more: Bears' most underrated offseason move should pay off dividends in Week 1
Roschon Johnson, RB
Johnson won the preseason and beat out Salvon Ahmed for the RB3 job, but his work is only beginning. The Bears need more from Johnson on the ground to ensure that Chicago doesn't have to lean on D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai completely. Another season with only two carries, and his NFL future will be up in the air.
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