Coming off an NFC North title and the offseason winding down, the Chicago Bears are beginning to report to training camp for their first official practice on July 29, 2026. After several starters departed during the offseason, new players have been brought in to compete. Here are 14 Bears roster bubble 2026 scenarios at training camp.
Running back Roschon Johnson saw his usage and production decline in 2024. He was then limited to only seven games during the 2025 season due to injury. Having D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai still on the roster as the first two running backs, the fourth-year player would likely be relegated to special teams if he made the roster out of training camp. Realistically, if no injuries occur, Johnson will be competing with Brittain Brown for the third running back spot.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: 50/50
Signed during the 2026 offseason, wide receiver Scotty Miller joins a crowded receiver room fighting for spots after Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. In 13 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, the 28-year-old had nine receptions for 62 yards. While not a lock to make the roster, Miller has received praise from head coach Ben Johnson for his speed and quickness.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: Likely Cut
Another wide receiver fighting for a roster spot, Jahdae Walker likely has the biggest advantage in the crowded receiver room. While not seeing much action in the first half of the season, Walker showcased his late-game heroics when he caught the last-second touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. Seeing his connection with quarterback Caleb Williams, the 24-year-old is more likely fighting for the third or fourth receiver spot than a roster spot.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: Safe
Tight end Stephen Carlson spent 2025 on the Bears’ practice squad and is back fighting for a roster spot on a reserve/future contract. The 29-year-old is looking to break camp as the fourth tight end, with Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, and newly drafted Sam Roush locked in as the top three. The pass-catching tight end is competing with tight ends Qadir Ismail and Nikola Kalinin for the fourth spot should Chicago keep four on the roster.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: Likely Cut
Another player signed by Chicago to compete for the starting left tackle job, Jedrick Wills Jr., has not lived up to his tenth-overall draft selection in 2020. After being benched and converted to a swing tackle in 2024, the 27-year-old sat out all of 2025 to get his body healthy. The former starter is on a one-year, $1.215 million contract, making him a low-risk, high-reward candidate for a roster spot.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: 50/50
The third-round pick out of Yale in 2024, Kiran Amegadjie, has logged very few meaningful career snaps at left tackle. Failing to win the starting job out of training camp and the preseason in 2025, the 24-year-old spent most of the regular season on injured reserve. An already uphill battle to make the roster as a primary backup, Amebadjie is likely vying for a deep reserve role with the Bears.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: 50/50
Guard Jordan McFadden made a surprise spot start against the Los Angeles Rams in their divisional playoff game, then he re-signed with the Bears on a one-year deal. Playing in nine games in 2025, the 26-year-old is fighting to earn another season as a reserve interior lineman. The fourth-year player is likely competing with fellow lineman Luke Newman, Theo Benedet, and undrafted rookie free agent Caden Barnett for backup spots.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: Likely Safe
Looking to add more competition on the defensive line, Chicago signed James Lynch to a 1-year, $1.315 million contract. Considered to be a solid run stopper with special teams utility, the defensive lineman lacks high-end pass-rush upside. The 27-year-old is likely going to have to vault ahead of new arrivals Kentavius Street and Jordan van en Berg to secure a spot on the roster.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: Likely Cut
The Bears shocked draft analysts when they took linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft. Widely considered to be a late-round or undrafted prospect, the second-year player played in only seven games during his rookie season, missing time with injury or a healthy scratch. After bringing back Jack Sanborn and drafting Keyshawn Elliot in the fifth round, Hyppolite likely must prove he can be a special-teams asset to make the roster.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: Likely Safe
Entering his fifth season with Chicago, Jaylon Jones is back in the mix, vying for a role in the cornerback room. Working in his favor, he received valuable first-team reps during mandatory minicamp. Having four cornerbacks already locked into roster spots, he will hope his special teams contributions and reliability will keep him on the Bears roster as a depth piece.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: Likely Safe
Another cornerback trying to make the roster, Dallis Flowers, spent almost the entirety of 2025 on Chicago’s practice squad. The 29-year-old did make one appearance with the Bears, making a single tackle against the Dallas Cowboys in Week Three. A long shot to make the roster, Flowers will likely land back on the practice squad for 2026.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: Practice Squad
Spending the entire 2025 season on Chicago’s practice squad, cornerback Dontae Manning signed a reserve/futures contract in an attempt to make the roster. Much like Flowers, he has a steep hill to climb if he wants to make the roster. Cornerbacks Josh Blackwell, Terell Smith, and Jones likely have an edge over Manning and Flowers.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: 50/50
The Bears loaded up on competition for the safety position after losing both starting players and a backup in free agency. Coming off a full season on Chicago’s practice squad, Gervarrius Owens signed a reserve/futures contract in an attempt to make the roster. Addressing the safety position with a trade and a first-round draft pick, the 26-year-old will be starting behind veterans Cam Lewis and Elijah Hicks for two backup spots.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: Practice Squad
Working his way back after missing 2025 with an injury, safety Anthony Johnson Jr. signed a 1-year, $1.145 million contract with the Bears after participating in rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. Building off a strong rookie minicamp, the 26-year-old is competing with Owens and the other safeties for a backup spot. As teams usually only carry four safeties into the season, making the team is a long shot for Johnson Jr.
Chicago Bears Roster Bubble 2026 Meter: Likely Cut
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Chicago hopes to be in a better position to repeat their 2025 success after bringing in a lot of new talent. Heading off to training camp in the coming days, there will be lots of players competing to secure their spots on the roster. After having several openings in the starting lineup and key depth spots, the Bears want their players to step up and grab the reins.
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