(104.3 The Score) At the conclusion of a breakthrough last season, head coach Ben Johnson reminded the Bears there would be a new team in 2026.
While the Bears certainly boast continuity from a year ago, there’s a lot different as well. That new team is now in place after forming the initial 53-man roster. There will be changes throughout the season – starting with waiver maneuvers in the coming days – but the Bears can now look towards this campaign with clarity.
The Bears completed their cuts from the 90-man roster down to 53. They will form a 16-man practice squad early this week and then press forward with preparations for the Sept. 13 season opener in Carolina.
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, 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 role, 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 spots and should land on the practice squad.
Tight end (4): Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, Sam Roush, Hayden Large
The Bears will utilize all three of their top tight ends in key roles this season, part of the identity for Johnson’s offense. But they'll all be 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 competition at left tackle didn’t reveal a clear winner. Instead, Trapilo set himself up as a starter whenever he’s ready to return in full. 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, including the ascension of the sixth-round pick van den Berg. With that in mind, they were comfortable enough moving Gervon Dexter to the Falcons early Sunday.
Linebacker (4): T.J. Edwards, Devin Bush, D’Marco Jackson, Keyshaun Elliott
The Bears believe Bush will enhance their defense alongside Edwards, part of an overhaul for 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 role at the nickel position. Meanwhile, Kyler Gordon landed on the physically-unable-to-perform list and will miss at least the first four games of the season.
It’s not yet clear whom the Bears will turn to alongside Thieneman. Bryant will ultimately land on injured reserve.
Specialists (3): Cairo Santos, Tory Taylor, Beau GardnerThe Bears made a change to their battery, allowing Scott Daly to leave and sliding in the rookie Gardner.
Physically-unable-to-perform list (out for minimum four weeks): DB Kyler Gordon, DE Shemar Turner, LB Noah Sewell
Injured reserve (out for season): RB Brittain Brown, LB Tony Fields, DB Jaylon Jones, WR 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.
