The Chicago Bears wrapped their offseason program earlier this month, breaking for the summer before training camp kicks off at Halas Hall on July 28. But there were plenty of standouts — both good and bad — during the offseason.
In head coach Ben Johnson’s second season, he has his team positioned to once again compete in the NFC North and NFC with an ascending quarterback in Caleb Williams, an explosive offense and with some key defenders returning from injury.
During the offseason, there were plenty of storylines surrounding on-field workouts and the on-going stadium saga that has dominated the headlines. With that in mind, here are our biggest winners and losers from the offseason.
Winner: QB Caleb Williams
It’s been quite the offseason for quarterback Caleb Williams, who has become one of the faces of the NFL following a breakout second season, his first with head coach Ben Johnson. Williams was named the Madden 27 cover athlete and he’s poised for another jump in his development as he gets to work in the same offense in consecutive years for the first time in his NFL career. Williams made plays throughout the offseason program, and the Bears continue to surround him with talent with the additions of wide receivers Kalif Raymond and Zavion Thomas, tight end Sam Roush and centers Garrett Bradbury and Logan Jones.
Winner: WR Zavion Thomas
While there was some initial questions about the Bears’ selection of receiver Zavion Thomas in the third round, the rookie is already showing why people shouldn’t question Ben Johnson. Thomas was a near-daily mention during the offseason program, be it rookie minicamp, OTAs or veteran minicamp, making plays and flashing his impressive speed. While Chicago’s offense has an abundance of playmakers, led by Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland, Johnson will find a way to get Thomas involved and set him up for some big playmaking opportunities as a rookie. He should also factor into the return game.
Winner: CB Jaylon Johnson
The Bears defense struggled without their Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who missed most of the season due to a groin injury and then wasn’t fully healthy when he did return to action. But Johnson, when healthy, is one of the league’s best cornerbacks, and he’ll be key to the defense’s success in 2026. Johnson attended both voluntary OTAs and veteran minicamp, and he made quite the impression during one practice recording two interceptions of quarterback Caleb Williams. It’s a reminder that, when healthy, Johnson is one of the league’s best. Chicago’s defense is banking on that return to form in 2026.
Winner: WR Luther Burden III
There’s a ton of hype surrounding second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III, who’s poised for an expanded role following the departure of DJ Moore. Burden had an impressive rookie season, amid limited action, where he showcased his speed and playmaking ability in Chicago’s top-five offense. This offseason, Burden has been a standout during workouts, where his chemistry with Caleb Williams continues to develop and he continues to earn the respect of his head coach, who is “buying Luther Burden stock” heading into 2026. There’s even discussion among fans and analysts that Burden could have a breakout season and surpass Rome Odunze as WR1.
Loser: CB Kyler Gordon
The Kyler Gordon injury saga has taken a frustrating turn. Gordon, who signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension in April 2025, was limited to just three regular season games during the 2025 season amid soft tissue injuries. At this point, Gordon has yet to play a full season through his four years in the NFL. To make matters worse, Gordon was a limited participant during the offseason program as he reportedly dealt with yet another soft tissue injury. While it’s too early to worry at this point of the season, Gordon’s injury track record has made it frustrating for fans and even head coach Ben Johnson. Which is disappointing considering, when healthy, he’s among the best nickels in the league.
Loser: President/CEO Kevin Warren
There’s no bigger offseason loser than president/CEO Kevin Warren as the Bears’ stadium saga has completely gone off the rails and there remains no end in sight. Let’s not forget, Warren was hired for the sole purpose to help orchestrate and execute the team’s new state-of-the-art stadium. Whether it’s Arlington Heights or the Chicago lakefront or now Hammond, Indiana, we’re no closer to resolution. Even so, Indiana remains the front runner as the state of Illinois fights to retain the NFL’s charter franchise. While there are factors outside of Warren’s control, the blame ultimately falls on him as he’s the one tasked with getting a deal done.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Winners and losers from Chicago Bears offseason
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
