With the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency in the rearview mirror, now the focus is on Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson putting together the right roster for a critical season.
Johnson has a lot of talent on offense and defense that should put the Bears high among NFL teams in chances of making the Super Bowl. While there were several key departures, they still have players like Caleb Williams as the headlines for the franchise.
The real question will be who will end up starting for the Bears in 2026 and who will be on the bench. Here's a look at the projected depth chart for the upcoming season.
Chicago Bears' projected 2026 Depth Chart
Quarterbacks
- Caleb Williams
- Tyson Bagent
- Case Keenum
Williams will always be the clear-cut starter for the Bears, as well as Bagent as the backup, and Keenum as the third string. The biggest question will be whether Bagent gets traded if Chicago can land at least a Day 2 draft pick in the deal.
Running Backs
- D'Andre Swift
- Kyle Monangai
- Roschon Johnson
There's a chance that Johnson doesn't make the roster as the Bears could opt for Brittain Brown instead. The top two slots on the depth chart at running back should remain the same with Swift and Monangai.
Wide Receivers
- Rome Odunze
- Luther Burden
- Kalif Raymond
- Jahdae Walker
- Zavion Thomas
A veteran wide receiver could still be added to give the Bears a different look at WR3, but for now, Raymond feels like the safe choice there, even if Walker will see significant time on the field. Odunze and Burden will be the top two targets in the passing game, with Thomas easing into the offense in his rookie season.
Tight End
- Colston Loveland
- Cole Kmet
- Sam Roush
Roush will get more playing time than some believe, as he will be a big help in the running game, but could eventually overtake Kmet as the number two tight end. Loveland is the number one option in the passing game and should have no trouble getting all the snaps as the starter
Offensive Line
Left Tackle - Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet
Left Guard - Joe Thuney, Jordan McFadden
Center - Garrett Bradbury, Logan Jones
Right Guard - Jonah Jackson, Luke Newman
Right Tackle - Darnell Wright
The left tackle spot will get the most attention as Jones should still win the job, but the interesting part is whether Benedet or Jedrick Willis Jr. wins the backup job until Ozzy Trapilo returns from injury. While Bradbury should be the favorite to win the center job, don't be surprised if Jones ends up starting or playing at some point in the regular season.
Defensive Line
Left End - Montez Sweat, Daniel Hardy
Defensive Tackle - Grady Jarrett, Shemar Turner, Jordan van den Berg
Defensive Tackle - Gervon Dexter, Neville Gallimore
Right End - Austin Booker, Dayo Odeyingbo
There is still belief in the Bears' franchise regarding Odeyingbo, but Booker looks like the better edge rusher, so he should start over Odeyingbo. The defensive tackle position has a lot of new faces that could change up, but Jarrett and Dexter are the clear-cut starters.
Linebackers
Outside Linebacker - Devin Bush, Ruben Hyppolite II
Middle Linebacker - T.J. Edwards, Noah Sewell, Keyshaun Elliott
Outside Linebacker - D'Marco Jackson, Jack Sanborn
Jackson more than earned his new starting job after filling in so well for Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds during their injuries. Bush gives the linebacker room some much-needed fresh blood, but the interesting thing to watch is whether Hyppolite will make the roster with Sanborn and Elliott's arrivals.
Cornerbacks
CB1 - Jaylon Johnson, Terell Smith, Jaylon Jones
CB2 - Tyrique Stevenson, Malik Muhammad
Nickel - Kyler Gordon, Josh Blackwell, Zah Frazier
Johnson and Gordon are back and 100% healthy, so the cornerbacks should play better in 2026. Stevenson versus Muhammad might be the most intriguing position battle in training camp.
Safeties
FS - Coby Bryant, Cam Lewis
SS - Dillon Thieneman, Elijah Hicks
Thieneman was a desperately needed selection in the NFL Draft as he brings a different kind of playmaking ability to the safety position. Bryant is a veteran and should be able to do just as well as this will be the starting duo back there for at least the next three years.
Special Teams
K - Cairo Santos
P - Tory Taylor
LS - Luke Elkin
KR - Kalif Raymond, Zavion Thomas
PR - Zavion Thomas
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The Bears will have a young long snapper in Elkin, which could make things on special teams interesting. Raymond and Thomas were brought in for their return abilities, so they should both handle those duties next year.
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