Chicago Bears 53-Man Roster Projection Ahead Of 2026 Training Camp: Ben Johnson has a deeper roster to sort through in Year 2
The Chicago Bears are on summer break until training camp kicks off in late July. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the state of the team by giving an early 53-man roster projection before the players return.
The Chicago Bears have a lot of optimism, expectations, and cries for regression all surrounding them headed into the second season under head coach Ben Johnson. If Year 1 proved anything, it’s that this team is ahead of schedule for the first time in a long time.
Johnson, with the help of general manager Ryan Poles, has constructed one of the NFC’s top rosters filled with players hungry to dominate and lead by a top coaching staff.
As the Bears get set for training camp in late July, the competition is about to get loud and fiery across the entire roster, and that’s a good thing. Before we get to that, let’s first break down the roster based on what we learned during OTAs and minicamp with a fresh 53-man roster projection.
When are 53-man roster cuts in the NFL in 2026?
NFL teams must trim their active rosters down to 53 players by Sunday, August 30, at 5 p.m. CT. This is earlier than in previous years and will allow teams to begin forming their 53-man roster directly after their final preseason game.
- Waiver Claims Period: Teams must submit waiver claims for released players by Monday, August 31, at Noon CT.
- Practice Squad Creation: Teams may begin forming their 16-man practice squads as soon as waiver claims are processed the following Monday.
Chicago Bears 2026 53-Man Roster Projection
Quarterbacks: 3
- Caleb Williams
- Tyson Bagent
- Case Keenum
Caleb Williams has some high expectations going into his third NFL season as one of the rising stars in the league but still has much to prove within this offense. Tyson Bagent, despite all trade speculations, is primed to remain in Chicago for the time being along with veteran mentor Case Keenum as the backups behind Williams.
Running backs: 4
- D’Andre Swift
- Kyle Monangai
- Salvon Ahmed
- Brittain Brown
Chicago’s RB room produced the only duo in the NFL to rush for 750+ yards last season in D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. Swift will be aiming for an even better season going into a contract year. Behind those two, the Bears should have a solid competition for the backup roles between Salvon Ahmed, Brittain Brown, Roschon Johnson, and Coleman Bennett. I’ll be watching closely to see who stands out from that group of depth options.
Wide receivers: 5
- Rome Odunze
- Luther Burden III
- Kalif Raymond
- Zavion Thomas*
- Jahdae Walker
The loss of DJ Moore will sting for this group, but the potential is bright for a healthy Rome Odunze and breakout weapon Luther Burden III leading the WR position. Kalif Raymond will be a much-needed veteran presence and projects to be the starting slot receiver and punt returner. Rookie Zavion Thomas will mix in too once he gets a solid grasp of the offense. Jahdae Walker should be secure as well in the final spot.
Tight ends: 3
- Colston Loveland
- Cole Kmet
- Sam Roush*
You’re looking at the best tight end room in the NFL, and no, I’m not being biased. Colston Loveland is a matchup nightmare and will be squarely in the mix among the top TEs in the league by the year’s end. Cole Kmet is still a reliable vet for this offense and Sam Roush is an exciting big-bodied rookie set to take over the TE3 role.
Offensive Line: 9
- Braxton Jones (LT)
- Joe Thuney (LG)
- Garrett Bradbury (C)
- Jonah Jackson (RG)
- Darnell Wright (RT)
- Theo Benedet
- Logan Jones*
- Luke Newman
- Jordan McFadden
Note: Ozzy Trapilo is projected to begin the season on the PUP list.
The offensive line is Ben Johnson’s baby and the potential of this unit hinges on Braxton Jones reclaiming the left tackle position and finally reaching his ceiling as a blindside protector. Another position to watch in camp is center with veteran Garrett Bradbury looking to hold off rookie Logan Jones.
As for the depth options, Jordan McFadden earned plenty of trust from the staff in 2025. Will it be enough to defend his spot against UDFA Caden Barnett? And is this finally the end of the road for former third-round bust Kiran Amegadjie?
Defensive Line: 10
- Montez Sweat (DE)
- Gervon Dexter Sr. (DT)
- Grady Jarrett (DT)
- Austin Booker (DE)
- Dayo Odeyingbo
- Neville Gallimore
- Jordan van den Berg*
- Shemar Turner
- Daniel Hardy
- Kentavius Street
Chicago is taking a bold gamble off the edge by running it back with the same group of players hoping that improved health and better coaching can lead to better results. On the interior, the Bears felt differently and made multiple depth additions behind Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett. Rookie Jordan van den Berg is easily the most exciting one.
The upside of this unit depends on Montez Sweat returning to elite form, Austin Booker breaking out in Year 3, and Dayo Odeyingbo living up to his high price tag. What could possibly go wrong?
Linebackers: 6
- Devin Bush
- T.J. Edwards
- D’Marco Jackson
- Jack Sanborn
- Keyshaun Elliott*
- Noah Sewell
Dennis Allen completely revamped this position after first parting ways with Tremaine Edmunds and replacing him with a speedier option in Devin Bush. After that, he re-signed D’Marco Jackson, brought back fan-favorite Jack Sanborn, and drafted Keyshaun Elliott.
The player on the hotseat entering camp is second-year speedster Ruben Hyppolite II, who already looked like a potential bust after not earning much action as a rookie. Noah Sewell is also on shaky ground while currently working his way back from a major injury.
Cornerbacks: 6
- Jaylon Johnson
- Kyler Gordon
- Tyrique Stevenson
- Malik Muhammad*
- Josh Blackwell
- Jaylon Jones
On paper, this cornerback room can be dangerous. That’s saying Jaylon Johnson can regain his form as a top lockdown corner, Kyler Gordon can get (and stay) healthy, and Tyrique Stevenson plays at a consistent level. Apparently, that’s asking a lot from those three.
Behind them, the Bears drafted Malik Muhammad and like what they have in Josh Blackwell and Jaylon Jones as special teams contributors. Terell Smith is one to watch to see if he can make a roster push in camp.
Safeties: 4
- Coby Bryant
- Dillon Thieneman*
- Elijah Hicks
- Cam Lewis
Allen also overhauled the safety room after moving on from Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker, replacing them with Coby Bryant and Dillon Thieneman. Personally, I think it was a bold decision that will end up paying off. The depth here seems set as well with Elijah Hicks and Cam Lewis as the backups, unless Skyler Thomas can make a name for himself.
Specialists: 3
- Cairo Santos (K)
- Tory Taylor (P)
- Luke Elkin (LS)
The specialist room has one new face on the 53-man roster projection after the Bears elected not to re-sign veteran long-snapper Scott Daly. I’m giving the nod to Luke Elkin for now, but this is a real battle between him and UDFA rookie Beau Gardner.