The Chicago Bears will look a lot different this upcoming season. Wide receiver DJ Moore was traded to the Buffalo Bills, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds was released and signed with the New York Giants, and safety Kevin Byard signed with the AFC Champion New England Patriots.
They will enter the 2026 season with one of the youngest, most exciting rosters in the league. But losing three of their most established voices in a single offseason is not ideal. This is a pivotal moment for a franchise that is trying to build itself into a long-lasting contender.
So Let's take a look at who are the new leaders of the new look Chicago Bears.
Caleb Williams: The new face of the franchise
After enduring a disastrous rookie season, the arrival of Ben Johnson has revived both the franchise, which had hit rock bottom, and Williams. It is a no-brainer that Williams is the new face of the franchise, which has been a graveyard for quarterbacks.
His competitiveness, preparation, and natural charisma give him credibility. Now, he must become more vocal, more assertive, and more willing to take ownership of the offense’s emotional tone as he continues to mature. He doesn’t need to be a screamer. He needs to be the one everyone looks to when the game tilts, especially with his ability to make jaw-dropping, off-script plays.
Joe Thuney: A man who simply wins everywhere he goes
The Bears' success last season is attributed to improvements on the offensive line. The biggest addition has to be Joe Thuney, a veteran with championship habits, championship expectations, and championship credibility.
He is needed more than ever after the shocking retirement of center Drew Dalman this offseason, and uncertainty at left tackle. He is not the most physically imposing, nor is he loud. But he does not have to be. He is a testament to how he practices, studies, and handles adversity, even at 33 years old.
Thuney has protected both Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes while winning multiple Super Bowls with New England and Kansas City. He knows a thing or two about playing with great quarterbacks. If the past is any indication, Williams will be the next great quarterback that Thuney protects en route to winning another Super Bowl.
Defense: Lacking both the star power and leadership
As for the defense, it is severely lacking in leadership following Byard's departure. The Bears were linked to the trade rumor for the Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby in the offseason. But after the trade to the Baltimore Ravens fell through, he remains with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Bears could have used a player like him, who is both disruptive and brings the attitude. At this point, the Bears will focus on addressing their defense in the upcoming draft rather than making a splash trade for Crosby.
Montez Sweat, Grady Jarrett, and Jaylon Johnson are names that immediately come to mind if you base it on seniority. However, both Sweat and Jarrett's production leaves a lot to be desired, and Johnson was hurt and missed significant time last season. Still, they are likely counted on to fill the leadership void left by Byard this upcoming season.
Read more: March is a legacy-defining month for Bears owner George McCaskey
Without Byard, Moore, and Edmunds, the Bears must find their emotional backbone from within. Who else could emerge as the leader on this team will be the defining storyline for the 2026 season.