(104.3 The Score) At the conclusion of a breakthrough 2025 season, head coach Ben Johnson reminded the Bears that they'd have a new team in 2026.
While the Bears certainly boast continuity from a year ago, there’s a lot that's different as well. That new team is now in place after the Bears formed their initial 53-man roster Sunday. There will be changes throughout the season – starting with waiver maneuvers in the coming days – but the Bears can now look toward this campaign with clarity.
The Bears completed their cuts from the 90-man roster down to 53. They'll form a 16-man practice squad early this week and then press forward with preparations for their regular-season opener against the Panthers on Sept. 13.
Here’s the Bears’ initial 53-man roster.
Quarterback (3): Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum
The Bears have arguably the best quarterback room in the NFL with an established starter in Williams who's set for a pivotal third NFL season; a proven backup in Bagent, who’s capable of starting; and a 15-year veteran in Keenum.
Running back (3): D’Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai, Roschon Johnson
Swift has looked ready for a major jump in his third season with the Bears. Meanwhile, Johnson beat out Salvon Ahmed for the third running back spot, and he may end up playing a role if Monangai (knee) is sidelined to start the season.
Wide receiver (5): Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Kalif Raymond, Jahdae Walker, Zavion Thomas
Odunze and Burden lead an intriguing wide receiver mix for the Bears. Kaden Davis and Maurice Alexander battled for roster spots and should land on the practice squad.
Tight end (4): Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, Sam Roush, Hayden Large
The Bears will utilize their top three tight ends in key roles this season as the position is part of the identity of Johnson’s offense. They're also thrilled for Large, the undrafted free agent who made the team.
Offensive line (10): Joe Thuney, Garrett Bradbury, Jonah Jackson, Darnell Wright, Braxton Jones, Ozzy Trapilo, Theo Benedet, Logan Jones, Luke Newman, Jordan McFadden
The left tackle competition didn't have a clear winner. Instead, Trapilo should get a chance to be the starter whenever he’s fully health and ready to return. Jones will be the Bears’ starter until Trapilo dethrones him.
Defensive line (10): Montez Sweat, Grady Jarrett, Dayo Odeyingbo, Austin Booker, Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, Daniel Hardy, Jamree Kromah, Jordan van den Berg, Jayden Loving
The Bears like their depth on the defensive line, which includes sixth-round pick van den Berg's ascension. With that in mind, they were comfortable enough trading defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. to the Falcons earlier Sunday.
Linebacker (4): T.J. Edwards, Devin Bush, D’Marco Jackson, Keyshaun Elliott
The Bears believe Bush will enhance their defense alongside fellow starter Edwards as they look to overhaul that side of the football.
Cornerback (6): Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Malik Muhammad, Clark Phillips III, Josh Blackwell, Skyler Thomas
Muhammad seems poised to fill the nickel position after Kyler Gordon landed on the physically-unable-to-perform list, meaning he'll miss at least the first four games of the regular season.
It’s remains unclear whom the Bears will turn to alongside Thieneman. Bryant will eventually land on injured reserve.
Specialists (3): Cairo Santos, Tory Taylor, Beau GardnerThe Bears made a change to their special teams battery, allowing long snapper Scott Daly to leave and sliding in the rookie Gardner.
Physically-unable-to-perform list (out for a minimum of four weeks): Defensive back Kyler Gordon, defensive lineman Shemar Turner, linebacker Noah Sewell.
Injured reserve (out for season): Running back Brittain Brown, linebacker Tony Fields, defensive back Jaylon Jones, receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III.
Waived/released: RB Salvon Ahmed, TE Stephen Carlson, DL Marcus Davenport, OL Wesley French, DL James Lynch, WR Scotty Miller, LB Jon Rhattigan, LB Jack Sanbon, WR Maurice Alexander, OL Kiran Amegadjie, OL Caden Barnett, WR Kaden Davis, LB Antonio Grier, OL Kyle Hergel, TE Qadir Ismail, DB Anthony Johnson, WR Omari Kelly, OL Jaren Kump, DL Jeremiah Martin, LB Wayne Matthews III, QB Miller Moss, OL Mason Murphy, DB Deantre Prince, WR J.P. Richardson, DB Marlen Sewell, DB Terell Smith, DB William Wright.
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
