The Chicago Bears wrapped their offseason program this month, which featured plenty of storylines in head coach Ben Johnson’s first year.
Now, the Bears will now get some time off this summer before returning to Halas Hall for training camp on July 22. There are going to be a number of important position battles to watch, as well as which players nab those final spots on the 53-man roster. While there were plenty of players who made strong impressions during OTAs and minicamp, the real test won’t begin until the pads come on in training camp next month.
With the offseason program in the books underway, here’s a look at our latest 53-man roster projection for the Bears heading into the summer.
Quarterback (3)
There’s no surprise when it comes to quarterback where Caleb Williams, entering his first full offseason, is entrenched as the starter. But Chicago did shake things up at backup quarterback with the signing of Case Keenum, who will serve as a mentor for Williams and compete with Tyson Bagent for the backup job. In this scenario, the Bears carry three quarterbacks on the roster.
Running back (4)
The Bears missed out on some top running backs early in the NFL draft, but they circled back around in the seventh round to land Kyle Monangai out of Rutgers. He’ll contend with D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson for carries, but that also boots Ian Wheeler out of a roster spot. Travis Homer gets the final spot due to his contributions on special teams.
Wide receiver (6)
DJ Moore and Rome Odunze are the clear-cut starters at receiver where they’ll continue to build their chemistry with Williams. But rookie Luther Burden III, who missed most of the offseason program with a soft tissue injury, will also factor into Ben Johnson’s offense and should see substantial targets — be it inside, outside or even in the backfield. Behind those three, Olamide Zaccheaus, Devin Duvernay and Tyler Scott are the depth pieces.
Tight end (3)
Ben Johnson likes to utilize a lot of 12 personnel, so the selection of Colston Loveland at 10th overall wasn’t a big surprise. Loveland will serve as a 1-2 punch alongside Cole Kmet giving quarterback Caleb Williams a myriad of options in the passing game. The Bears signed Durham Smythe, who was previously coached by Johnson in Miami, earlier this offseason, and he’ll serve as a blocking tight end.
Offensive line (10)
The entire interior offensive line was overhauled this offseason with the acquisitions of guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, via trade, and Drew Dalman, through free agency. Essentially, the starting offensive line is set, but there could be some competition at left tackle between Braxton Jones, Kiran Amegadjie and second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo.
Edge rusher (5)
The Bears need more out of their pass rush, even with Montez Sweat leading the way. They made a move in free agency to land a rising talent in Dayo Odeyingbo, but there’s still plenty of work to be done. Austin Booker showed flashes in his rookie season, but he needs to make strides as a rotational player. Dennis Allen could explore kicking interior defenders, like Gervon Dexter and rookie Shemar Turner, outside on certain plays. Dominique Robinson was a standout player for Ben Johnson this offseason, and if that continues this summer that could very well earn him a roster spot.
Defensive tackle (4)
Chicago had a solid duo of Andrew Billings and Gervon Dexter last season, but things went downhill after Billings was lost for the season due to a torn pec as Dexter’s play suffered. Now, the Bears added a dominant defender in Grady Jarrett, who is a force as an interior pass rusher, as well as second-round pick Shemar Turner, who could make an impact as a rookie. With Robinson getting the extra roster spot along the defensive line, former third-round pick Zacch Pickens is the odd man out at defensive tackle.
Linebacker (5)
There aren’t really big changes at linebacker with T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds once again set to lead the charge. But the Bears will have to deal with the loss of Jack Sanborn, who they opted not to tender as a restricted free agent. That’s where the selection of Ruben Hyppolite II, a fourth-round selection, comes in. He’ll compete with former fifth-round pick Noah Sewell for that third linebacker spot. Amen Ogbongbemiga gets the final nod due his valuable contributions on special teams.
Cornerback (6)
Cornerback is arguably the strongest position group on the roster, and they still opted to land a potential sleeper in Zah Frazier in the fifth round. Jaylon Johnson, coming off his second Pro Bowl nod, will lead a group also featuring Kyler Gordon, who recently signed a contract extension. But Tyrique Stevenson, who has plenty to prove after a disastrous sophomore season, could face competition from Frazier and Terell Smith on the outside. But there’s plenty of depth at cornerback.
Safety (4)
Chicago’s starting safety duo is set with Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, both entering the final year of their respective deals. Byard was one of the defense’s MVPs last season, while Brisker missed most of the year following a Week 5 concussion. Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks will continue to serve as key depth and special teams contributors.
Specialists
The Bears are returning their starting special teams unit with kicker Cairo Santos, punter Tory Taylor and long snapper Scott Daly. Patrick Scales missed last season following back surgery, and Daly stepped up in his place and even earned a one-year contract extension this offseason.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears 53-man roster projection following 2025 offseason
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
