Entering the 2026 season, the Chicago Bears have some things to figure out on defense, including whether there are some former draft picks who need to depart from the roster.
The focus of the 2026 NFL Draft will be to reload on defense for Chicago with young talent they can develop under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for the next few years. They already let some veterans walk like Tremaine Edmunds, Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency.
Now there might be more decisions coming in the months leading up to Week 1 of the 2026 season. One Bears draft pick might be worth monitoring, as he could be on his last legs on the roster.
What about Terell Smith's career in Chicago?
Bears cornerback Terell Smith was a 2023 fifth-round pick of the team with hopes of being able to develop as a potential CB2 to Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon. That hasn't quite happened yet, as he has racked up 68 tackles, 10 pass deflections, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception in 26 games.
There was hope that last year could be a breakout season for Smith despite Tyrique Stevenson being in front of him on the depth chart, but he ended up suffering a torn patellar tendon and missed all of 2025. Instead, it was Wright who stepped up when Johnson got hurt and is now on the New York Jets as a projected starter.
Coming off a season-ending injury like that is going to be tough for Smith to find himself in competition to start, especially since last year's draft pick, Zah Frazier, should be back to compete for a roster spot as well. The Bears are expected to look to add a cornerback in the draft as well, so that'll be more competition.
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Smith might have to lean on special teams to make the roster, but if he doesn't perform well in camp, his days in Chicago might be numbered.