Training camp has finally arrived for the Chicago Bears, with the expectations just as high as they were last year going into the season.
Things are different this time around with Ben Johnson as the new head coach and the culture that’s being built. Quarterback Caleb Williams has basically a new offensive line around him with some young passing weapons to throw to.
Even the defense saw some changes in the front seven with two new starters on the defensive line and a rookie, Ruben Hyppolite II, potentially jumping in as the starter at linebacker.
The Bears appear to be an improved team from last season, with individual players poised to have strong training camps. Some do so because they need to prove themselves, and others feel the pressure of losing their jobs.
Four Bears are facing the most pressure at training camp
Tremaine Edmunds, LB
While the numbers from last year look solid, Edmunds doesn’t seem to be progressing as well as some had hoped the veteran hoped. One key stat people have been fixated on to illustrate the point: three tackles for loss all year. Edmunds must step up and have a more dominant season, or he might be on the hot seat to be traded or released next offseason, and the Bears start to rebuild the linebacker room.
Braxton Jones, LT
Jones is still recovering from his late-season injury, so his availability during training camp and the preseason remains unknown. Chicago selected Ozzy Trapilo in the second round of the NFL Draft to either replace him this year or eventually become the starter at left or right tackle. With most of the 2024 starters out with the Bears after last year’s disastrous 68 sacks allowed, Jones has to play well to have a future in Chicago.
Cole Kmet, TE
Here’s another example of a rookie (Colston Loveland) being selected for a position with an established starter already in place, but his job is not guaranteed. Kmet is coming off his worst season since his rookie year. Kmet doesn’t have many options as he must perform better in 2025, or he could be a trade block candidate.
Read more: Bears' backup is no longer the team's best-kept secret entering training camp
Jaquan Brisker, S
Brisker had a tremendous start to his 2024 season before a concussion knocked him out for the rest of the season. The pressure that Brisker faces is more about staying on the field and repeating his previous season’s success. Chicago needs to have reliable players who can perform week after week. Brisker hopes to stay on the field this year and be the Pro Bowl player he has the potential to be.