TheChicago Bearshave a big summer ahead as they ease into the 2026 regular season. They have more stability at important positions than they've ever had, but there are still going to be battles for spots up and down the roster.
Head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles have done a great job building the team, but they need to make sure that the 53-man roster gives them the best chance to improve on the success that they had in 2025.
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The defense is going to have intrigue when it comes to who makes it on the line, while other depth position players will enter camp needing a great showing to make the team. These five players, in particular, are bubble guys who will make the team if they show out during camp and preseason, or be cut along the way if they aren't good enough.
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) talks with head coach Ben Johnson during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) stretches during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Skyler Thomas (38) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump stretches during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump (64) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) runs during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump (L) and Garrett Bradbury (R) train during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears line backer Wayne Matthews III runs with the ball (35) during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Caden Barnett (76) runs on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs with the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) passes the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Logan Jones #54 of the Chicago Bears prepares to run through drills during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: D'Andre Swift #4 of the Chicago Bears looks on during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Rome Odunze #15 of the Chicago Bears prepares to run drills during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Kyle Monangai #25 of the Chicago Bears runs drills during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Roschon Johnson #23 of the Chicago Bears looks on during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Theo Benedet #79 of the Chicago Bears warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Gervon Dexter Sr. #99 of the Chicago Bears warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears runs through drills during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Rome Odunze #15 of the Chicago Bears warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Luther Burden III #10 of the Chicago Bears puts on his helmet during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears looks on during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026 photos
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) talks with head coach Ben Johnson during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) talks with head coach Ben Johnson during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) stretches during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Skyler Thomas (38) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump stretches during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump (64) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) runs during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump (L) and Garrett Bradbury (R) train during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears line backer Wayne Matthews III runs with the ball (35) during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Caden Barnett (76) runs on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs with the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) passes the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Logan Jones #54 of the Chicago Bears prepares to run through drills during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026 photos
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: D'Andre Swift #4 of the Chicago Bears looks on during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026 photos
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Rome Odunze #15 of the Chicago Bears prepares to run drills during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026 photos
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Kyle Monangai #25 of the Chicago Bears runs drills during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026 photos
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Roschon Johnson #23 of the Chicago Bears looks on during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026 photos
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Theo Benedet #79 of the Chicago Bears warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026 photos
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Gervon Dexter Sr. #99 of the Chicago Bears warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026 photos
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears runs through drills during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026 photos
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Rome Odunze #15 of the Chicago Bears warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026 photos
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026 photos
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Luther Burden III #10 of the Chicago Bears puts on his helmet during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026 photos
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears looks on during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
It is going to be difficult for Scotty Miller to make theBearsroster given their loaded receiver room, even with the departure ofDJ Moore.Rome OdunzeandLuther Burdenare expected to be the go-to guys, butKalif Raymond, Zavion Thomas andJahdae Walkerare all expected shoe ins for a roster spot. As a member of the true bubble heading into the season, Miller must have an impressive training camp and preseason if he wants any chance of making the football team. The practice squad is an option, but that's not what he's playing for at this time.
The Bears have one of the best running back duos in the NFL with D'Andre Swift andKyle Monangai, who led the third-best rushing attack in the league last season. But there's one, possibly two, spots up for grabs in that room. Roschon Johnson hasn't contributed much on offense in the last couple of years, but he's proven to be a key special teams contributor. That's likely his route to the 53-man roster in the final year of his rookie contract.
The Bears are loaded with weapons, and that includes at the tight end position. Unless there is an injury, Ben Johnson will useColston Loveland,Cole Kmet, and Sam Roush in 12 and 13 personnel, which he has always preferred as a playcaller. The Roush selection leaves Carlson the odd man out, and it's unlikely he makes the roster. Right now, with everyone healthy in front of him, it's hard to say he's anything other than a bubble player going in, regardless of how he performs in the preseason. If anything, he is playing for another team to notice him.
The Bears are hoping thatJaylon Johnsonis much healthier in 2026 so that they don't have to use as many rotational pieces at the cornerback position. Jones, who signed with Chicago as an undrafted free agent in 2022, returned to the team last year amid injuries. The hope is Jones is on the bubble and ultimately doesn't make the roster, because that would mean the Bears are healthier this time around. But he has a chance to make it due toKyler Gordon's injury concerns, but the Bears have strong depth in their overall defensive backfield.
This is the most unlikely of the bunch, given Daniel Hardy's special teams contributions. But the Bears have a lackluster pass rush, and they must improve on that if they want to take a step as an organization. As far as defensive end goes,Montez Sweat,Austin Booker, andDayo Odeyingboare expected to get a bulk of the playing time, and there is a chance that they still sign someone left on the free agent market or make a trade. While Hardy could very well be on the roster bubble, it's likely his role as a core special teamer that will earn him a roster spot.
