The Chicago Bears were one of the best turnarounds from 2024 to 2025, going from 5-12 to 11-6 and becoming NFC North champions.
Entering the offseason, there is a target on the Bears' backs from the other 31 NFL teams that want to take them down. Much of the reason that the target is on them is the work Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have done to put together a really solid roster.
Last offseason, they rebuilt the offensive line with four new starters and added four rookies who made significant impacts on offense in 2025. Through the first week of free agency this offseason, the story is all about the Bears retooling the defense, which has led to renewed faith in how the roster looks for 2026.
Bears making believers out of everyone with 2026 roster
Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton shared his list of the top 10 NFL rosters after the first week of free agency. Moton had the Bears sitting at number seven.
"Caleb Williams made a significant second-year leap and became a must-watch player last season. He has a budding pass-catching group that includes Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland and running back Kyle Monangai, all of whom are 23 years old or younger. Running back D'Andre Swift leads the Bears' backfield. Behind a solid pass-protecting offensive line that includes three-time All-Pro Joe Thuney, Williams should continue to develop into a top signal-caller with the playmakers around him.
The Bears lost key defensive starters in free agency: safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and cornerback Nahshon Wright. On a positive note, they signed safety Coby Bryant, linebacker Devin Bush and defensive lineman Neville Gallimore. Also, cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon should be healthy to begin the 2026 season after an injury-riddled 2025 campaign."
Even without DJ Moore on offense after his trade to the Bills, with Ozzy Trapilo hurt to start the 2026 season, or even Drew Dalman's stunning retirement, the Bears' offense is still in really good shape. Led by a top-five offensive line, the Bears have one of the league's best running games, and in the passing game still have Odunze, Burden, and Loveland to throw to. Also, having Williams as the quarterback helps.
Chicago still needs to find an elite edge rusher and add another safety, but this defense is looking a lot better in 2026 than it did last year. Byant and Bush are the major signings that have changed the outlook of this defense.
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Even with a piece or two still to be added, the Bears look like a team that could go further than the NFC Divisional Round game, as they did a season ago.