The 2026 season is upon the Chicago Bears, as they try to get back to the postseason and make a Super Bowl run.
This season is different, though, with expectations higher than ever. They need their starters and reserves to be not just good but great if they want to be an elite team.
Five Bears players have spent their careers doing well but haven't broken loose as fans hoped. Here are the five who are poised to have breakout seasons in 2026.
Which Bears are finally ready for a breakout 2026 season?
Tyrique Stevenson, CB
Stevenson has had a rough last two seasons with the Bears, but he has a chance to redeem himself with a monster 2026 season. From the Hail Mary against the Washington Commanders in 2024 to being benched last year, Stevenson has been tested in every way possible. If he can put it all together in 2026, he might be landing a nice contract extension with the Bears next offseason.
Jonah Jackson, RG
Jackson is the forgotten Bears lineman on offense that not many people talk about. He had a 71.4 overall Pro Football Focus grade, ranking 19th among offensive guards last year. It's easy to get lost in the shuffle with Joe Thuney and Darnell Wright there, but Jackson has a real chance to make an impact on this team and push for a Pro Bowl selection in 2026.
D'Marco Jackson, LB
Last year showed the potential that Jackson has in this defense after being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for one game. He re-signed with Chicago with the chance to be a part of the rotation at linebacker with T.J. Edwards and new addition Devin Bush. Jackson may need to improve his coverage skills, but if he can, he could be a great player in this defense.
Kentavius Street, DT
There is a ton of buzz around Street after a solid training camp that has put him in the starting lineup to replace Gervon Dexter Sr. after his trade to the Atlanta Falcons. During his NFL career, Street has been more of a reserve and backup defensive tackle, but now has a chance to start. Watch for him to really break out in a way that the Bears desperately need him to.
Read more: Bears' first injury report of 2026 has Rome Odunze on track to play in Week 1
Rome Odunze, WR
Odunze has been knocking on the door of greatness over the last two years, but a foot injury last year derailed a potential 1,000-yard season in 2025. He is going to start the season not 100% healthy with a new calf injury, but he still has a chance to be great this season. This wide receiver has the whole package, and 2026 is the year he puts it all together.
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