One good thing about this Chicago Bears team is that they have a good blend of veteran leadership and young players that is putting them in a position to succeed in 2026.
The Bears are coming off a season where they stunned the NFL world with 11 wins and took home the NFC North title. This was all thanks to the roster that Chicago has built over the years, which finally came together under head coach Ben Johnson.
For this success to continue, the Bears have to find a way for the team's veterans to take time to pass down their knowledge to younger players for the future. Here are four veterans who can work with these four young players to make them better.
Bears mentors who can help develop the mentee in 2026
Mentor: Garrett Bradbury, Mentee: Logan Jones (Center)
For the 2026 season, Bradbury and Jones might see each other more as competitors as they are fighting for the starting center job. From what Ben Johnson has said, it appears that Bradbury has the early edge on the job, which means Jones could spend one year learning on the bench before taking over in 2027. That would be okay for Bears fans, but they need Bradbury to help the young man out.
Mentor: Jaylon Johnson, Mentee: Malik Muhammad (CB)
Johnson is a two-time Pro Bowler who has mastered the art of coverage that would really benefit Muhammad a ton. Going into training camp, Muhammad is going to be competing with Tyrique Stevenson for the starting CB2 job. If Johnson is able to help out Muhammad, the rookie might win the job and could be the long-term solution at the position.
Mentor: Coby Bryant, Mentee: Dillon Thieneman (Safety)
This is on the list; it's more about the two building a good working relationship on the field, as both are starters, but it still applies to what needs to get done. Bryant is a Super Bowl winner, while Thieneman is about to take his first snaps on an NFL field. For at least the next three years, Bryant and Thieneman are going to be the starters at safety, so that means whatever Bryant can pass on to the rookie will only make the secondary and defense better.
Read more: Bears' second year defender is poised for quiet breakout 2026 season
Mentor: Kalif Raymond, Mentee: Zavion Thomas (WR/Returner)
Raymond might be new to the team, but he knows Ben Johnson's offense well and wants to use it to his advantage to win the WR3 job. Bears general manager Ryan Poles has already said that rookie third-round pick Zavion Thomas will be more of a special teams player in 2026, leaving room for him to learn Johnson's complex offense while making an impact as a returner. It would be good for Raymond to spend time with Thomas to teach him how to be a good slot receiver and how to make an impact in the return game.
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