Bears make final cuts, set initial 53-man roster
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Over the last three seasons, the Bears' initial 53-man roster never felt quite secure. That's part of rebuilding.
While this initial 53-man roster is just that -- the beginning form -- the Bears are in a much better place than past years with general manager Ryan Poles. They have completed a rebuilding process, established a clear depth chart and hope to mark progress this season.
New Bears head coach Ben Johnson has provided his vision alongside Poles, helping this roster come to fruition. Now with roster cuts completed Tuesday, the Bears have taken shape for the 2025 season.
Note: Waiver claims are processed Wednesday at noon CT; Bears own the No. 10 slot in the claiming order.
Quarterback (3) -- Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum
Williams enters his second season as the Bears' starting quarterback, while Bagent won out the backup quarterback battle – and earned a contract extension for his work.
Running back (3) -- D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, Kyle Monangai
The Bears have some significant depth concerns at this position. Look for them to potentially claim a rusher Wednesday.
Wide receiver (6) -- DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Olamide Zaccheaus, Devin Duvernay, Jahdae Walker
The last spot at wide receiver was won out by Walker, who had an excellent training camp and preseason.
Tight end (3) -- Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, Durham Smythe
No real drama at tight end. It will be curious to see how Kmet and Loveland are utilized as a tandem.
Offensive line (10) -- Braxton Jones, Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, Jonah Jackson, Darnell Wright, Ozzy Trapilo, Theo Benedet, Ryan Bates, Kiran Amegadjie, Luke Newman
The Bears were mum on the winner of their competition at left tackle, though it certainly seems like that's Jones. Meanwhile, Amegadjie lands on the active roster after finding himself on the bubble.
Defensive line (10) -- Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter Sr., Andrew Billings, Austin Booker, Chris Williams, Daniel Hardy, Shemar Turner, Dominique Robinson
It was a strong, healthy camp for Sweat. But the Bears are still wondering what they have around him.
Linebacker (5) -- Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, Noah Sewell, Ruben Hyppolite II, Carl Jones Jr.
Sewell seems to have won out as the Bears' third linebacker alongside Edmunds and Edwards.
Cornerback (6) -- Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Nahshon Wright, Josh Blackwell, Nick McCloud
The cornerback position dealt with a rash of injuries, but the top line seems set entering this season.
Safety (4) -- Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Jonathan Owens, Elijah Hicks
The Bears are eager to have Byard and Brisker back as a tandem.
Specialists (3) -- Cairo Santos, Tory Taylor, Scott Daly
Santos and Daly each had training camp competition, though continuity remains for this battery.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
