Bears Defensive Training Camp Questions: Kyler Gordon’s status, plans off the edge, chemistry of the new safety duo, and more
The Chicago Bears open training camp in a little over a month and the defensive side of the ball still has some burning questions that weren’t fully answered throughout the offseason program.
The Chicago Bears open training camp in exactly a month when the rookies return on July 25 with veterans expected to be back on July 28.
Defensively, Chicago’s roster had a lot of turnover going into the second season under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who prioritized adding more speed and versatility to his unit while letting veteran fan-favorites walk out of the door.
On paper, this defense shows promise. However, OTAs and minicamp showed it’s going to take some more time for this group to get on the same page and master the things the coaches are trying to teach them. Another key detail is keeping players on the field this time around, which brings us to our first defensive question going into camp.
Chicago Bears top defensive questions that need to be answered at training camp
Will Kyler Gordon be on the field when players return?
The biggest question for this unit going into training camp is whether or not starting nickel Kyler Gordon is on the field, and if so, in what capacity. Gordon missed 14 games due to a soft tissue injuries last season and was still dealing with another soft tissue issue that forced him to miss the majority of the spring. Head coach Ben Johnson had revealing things to say when asked about Gordon’s status.
“This spring was going to be a springboard for us to get going in the right direction, we’re still working through that. We’re still trying to get that availability piece going,” Johnson said. “We know he’s a good player when he’s out there, but trust level is a huge thing for this team, for this coaching staff, for the locker room. And you can only develop that trust by being available.”
It’s clear patience is running thin for a player the Bears just handed a three-year, $40 million contract to last offseason. Gordon isn’t going anywhere in 2026 but the Bears are hoping to get more return on their investment, ideally sooner than later. The more time Gordon misses, the hotter his seat gets. Yet, when he’s on the field, he’s an incredible player that’s hard to replace. The Bears really need this guy out there.
Do the Bears honestly feel like they have enough off the edge?
Now we get to the biggest Bears storyline of the offseason, at least that’s what it feels like. Everyone was disappointed about Chicago’s pass rush off the edge last season, including the coaching staff and the players. Those outside the building begged for an addition to the room, and are still begging for an addition. It doesn’t look likely.
Chicago’s coaching staff instead is relying on better health and coaching with the same group of players. Johnson said in minicamp that he believes Montez Sweat played his best season of his career last season between rushing the passer and playing the run. There’s also internal confidence that Austin Booker could be a breakout player in Year 3.
The real question is whether or not Dayo Odeyingbo can live up to his contract. Odeyingbo had a positive development when he returned to the field during minicamp seven months since his Achilles injury. Another player the Bears are hoping to have back at training camp off the edge is Shemar Turner.
Until the Bears see how those four players look on the field with pads on, don’t expect the team to consider any outside additions.
Can Jaylon Johnson regain his Pro Bowl, lockdown, form?
Back in 2024, Jaylon Johnson was one of the top cornerbacks in the entire league, earning a second consecutive Pro Bowl nod. His contract was starting to look like a massive bargain and there was a lot of excitement brewing in the spring about what he could do in Allen’s scheme shadowing opposing #1 receivers.
That excitement never came to fruition. When Johnson returned at training camp, it was revealed that he suffered a leg injury during summer break. He missed the entirety of camp and reaggravated in the injury in Week 2 of the regular season, forcing him to undergo surgery and miss nine games.
Even when he came back, Johnson didn’t look like his former self but started to show some flashes toward the end of the season. Johnson was a full participant during minicamp and by the end of the spring was showing off his lockdown traits once again. If the Bears get that kind of player for 17 games, this defense will have a much different feel.
How will Dennis Allen deploy his new safety duo?
The Bears, for all things considered, had a solid safety duo last season with Kevin Byard III earning an All-Pro nod deep in the secondary while Jaquan Brisker had arguably the best season of his career as the strong safety. Yet, Allen decided to let both of them walk, replacing them with free agent Coby Bryant and first-round pick Dillon Thieneman.
Allen noted he’s “excited” about the ways he can mix-n-match his two new safeties at both positions. Both players have the ability to play deep, play the box, and blitz the quarterback. The Bears are really excited about not only their athleticism, but also an “infectious” play style with how they swarm to the football.
Thieneman is still having to earn his stripes before being handed the starting role. However, the rookie started mixing in more with the first-team late in minicamp and should see more action there in camp. That’s going to be valuable reps as he looks to build that on-field chemistry with Bryant.
“Beginning to know him pretty well. Just asking him questions back-and-forth about how he sees the game or how he plays stuff in certain situations,” Thieneman said.
Who can stand out on the interior of the defensive front?
While the majority of the hate about Chicago’s defensive line is directed at the edge rushers, the interior of the Bears front wasn’t that much better. Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett are set to return as the two starters and both players will be under the magnifying glass this season.
Dexter is entering into a contract year and despite coming off a strong statistical season, he’s not the best fit for Allen’s scheme. His get-off was also a major concern along with his ability to consistently play at a high level. For what it’s worth, he vows to be better, although it’s the same thing we heard last year.
“You’ll see the difference at the start of the down,” Dexter said. “As soon as you turn on the tape or see practice, it’s going to be a whole different person.”
As for Jarrett, the veteran signed a high-priced contract and looks like an obvious cut candidate after the 2026 season. A knee injury impacted the majority of his first season in Chicago and like Dexter, he aims to be more productive this time around now that he’s back to full health, for the time being.
Behind those two, the Bears made significant additions to the depth. Who stands out of that group will be something to watch in camp. Rookie Jordan van den Berg will be an exciting player to watch, as will UDFA Jayden Loving, to see if they can push for opportunities against veterans Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, and James Lynch.