Bears Fans, Your Squad Has Arrived! The Chicago Bears 2025-2026 Roster is Official
After a brutally long offseason filled with trades and free agent acquisitions, the Chicago Bears have finalized their roster for the upcoming season (for now).
Changes will happen, but the team you see now will be very similar to the one at the end of the season.
So you should become familiar with the 2025-2026 Chicago Bears, because they’ll take up your Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, and if you’re like me, they’ll become your everyday interest for the next several months.
Here is the Chicago Bears’ 53-man roster:
Quarterbacks (3)
- Caleb Williams
- Tyson Bagent
- Case Keenum
As expected, the Chicago Bears kept three quarterbacks. After being drafted number one overall in 2024, Caleb Williams is entering his second season in the NFL. Williams’ rookie season was filled with ups and downs. But what’s important is that after going through so much adversity, Williams showed why he was the number one pick. He threw for 3,500 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions. His talent is undeniable, and I’m stoked to see what he can do with Ben Johnson this season.
Tyson Bagent is someone I admire. He’s been with the Bears since 2023, when he signed as a UDFA (undrafted free agent) from Division II Shepherd University. Bagent won the backup job as a rookie and has kept it ever since. He’s been professional, poised, and has played excellently when given the opportunity, which makes him a great backup to Caleb Williams. After his recent two-year $10 million contract extension, it’s apparent that he’s made a positive impact on the new coaching staff and on the Bears organization. We’re lucky to have this guy as our backup quarterback, because he’s good enough to start in this league.
The Bears signed Case Keenum this offseason to add a veteran presence to their quarterback room, which they felt it was lacking. Keenum has been valuable for both Williams and Bagent in teaching them how to be a quarterback. As a young QB in the NFL, it can be challenging to navigate all the intricacies that come with playing the position. Having a veteran like Keenum, who’s played 11 seasons, certainly helps.
Running Backs (3)
- D’Andre Swift
- Kyle Monangai (Rookie)
- Roschon Johnson
Keeping only three running backs was one of the more surprising decisions the Bears made. The main reason is injuries. Travis Homer and Deion Hankins suffered major injuries. Homer is on IR, which I’ll touch on later, but Hankins is unfortunately out for the season. Monangai and Roschon Johnson are also banged, but Ryan Poles assured that the running back group will “look a lot different as we move forward” in practice.
D’Andre Swift is returning for his second season as the Bears’ lead back. His first year in Chicago didn’t go as planned. He ran for 959 yards and 6 touchdowns. The atrocious offensive line didn’t do him any favors, but Swift could’ve been a lot better. He had a tendency to dance around in the backfield, instead of finding a hole and excelling to the second level. In his limited preseason action against the Chiefs, Swift looked great. He was decisive and brought the explosiveness he displayed last season, even showing off with a hurdle. If Swift can continue to be an explosive weapon in the pass game while making quick decisions, he’ll have a career year.
Behind Swift is rookie 7th round pick from Rutgers, Kyle freaking Monangai. If you’ve read any of my work, you know how much I love this kid. Monangai is a small dude, but don’t let that fool you. He’s a force. I’ve alluded to him as a human wrecking ball because of his physical running style and the way he just bounces off defenders with his impressive contact balance. Even though he’s a rookie, expect to see a lot of Monangai this season. His physical nature is the perfect complement to Swift’s elusiveness.
Then there’s Roschon Johnson, a player Bears fans should be familiar with by now. Johnson was drafted in the 4th round of the 2023 NFL draft, and has been in Chicago since. He’s also a physical runner who isn’t afraid to put his body on the line in pass protection, and he’s got some decent receiving ability. I think he’s a perfect guy to have in the RB room.
Tight Ends (3)
- Cole Kmet
- Colston Loveland (Rookie)
- Durham Smythe
Heading into the offseason, Bears fans assumed tight end was a position that wouldn’t see much movement. We knew they would have to add some depth behind Cole Kmet, but the Bears took a different approach.
With the 10th pick in the NFL draft, the Bears selected Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. Loveland was a prospect I loved, and when his name was called at #10, I was pumped! A lot of people say, “Oh, that’s a terrible pick! The Bears didn’t need another tight end!” Oh brother, do I have a lot to say about that. If you think this, it’s because you haven’t seen Loveland play yet, and that’s okay because we’ll see plenty of him this season. Don’t think of him as a tight end. Just think of him as an offensive weapon.
Loveland plays like a big slot receiver. His athleticism and movement skills are absurd for a player his size. He’s got great hands, of course, and will be such a threat in the red zone. The only player that reminds me of Loveland is Brock Bowers. I know that’s high praise, but trust me, this kid isn’t just some tight end.
But the Bears still have Cole Kmet, which is awesome because I love Kmet. He’s such a reliable player and is one of the league’s better tight ends. With great hands and sound blocking ability, Kmet has produced in Chicago. He’s had three straight seasons with at least four touchdowns and four straight seasons with at least 470 receiving yards. I’m excited to watch Kmet and Loveland on the field together, just dominating teams in 12-personnel.
Wide Receivers (6)
- D.J. Moore
- Rome Odunze
- Olamide Zaccheaus
- Luther Burden III (Rookie)
- Jahdae Walker (Rookie)
- Devin Duvernay
D.J. Moore leads the Bears’ receivers yet again. Moore was acquired by the Bears via the famous trade with the Panthers, which yielded an absolute haul for the one and only Bryce Young. Since arriving in Chicago, Moore has been everything we could’ve asked for. He had 1,300 yards in his first season here and put up 966 last year (due to an inept offense). His unique run after the catch ability makes him a special player, and I’m excited to see what year three looks like for D.J. Moore in Chicago.
Then there’s Rome Odunze, who’s entering his second season in the NFL. The former top-ten pick was the third option in last year’s offense behind D.J. and Keenan Allen, yet he still produced. Odunze finished with 734 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns, and the highest contested catch percentage in the league. I believe Odunze is on route for a breakout season. His talent is so incredible, and the relationship he and Caleb have developed in training camp has been huge for their chemistry. Expect to see a lot of #15 on your TV this year.
In the offseason, the Bears signed this receiver named Olamide Zaccheaus, who was supposed to be a solid depth piece for the WR room. But no, apparently this dude is a stud. OZ was a star in training camp, and he put that on display with a 34-yard touchdown catch in the preseason. He’s going to have a prominent role on this team, even in a crowded room.
Next up are the rookies. It’s crazy to me that second-round pick Luther Burden is fourth on the depth chart, but it just speaks to the impressive group the Bears assembled. Burden is uber talented. The rookie from Missouri is very similar to Moore after the catch; it’s special to watch. He’s also a solid route runner, has great hands, and is just a versatile weapon. His opportunities may be limited as a rook, but you’ll notice his unique talent.
JAHDAE WALKER MADE THE TEAM! The preseason standout from Texas A&M made the Bears’ 53-man roster, exciting the entire fanbase. Walker was so much fun to watch this preseason. His ability to make spectacular catches stood out, along with his awesome celebration dance. I hope Walker gets some action this season, because I love watching him play.
Offensive Line (10)
- Darnell Wright
- Joe Thuney
- Drew Dalman
- Jonah Jackson
- Braxton Jones
- Ozzy Trapilo (Rookie)
- Ryan Bates
- Luke Newman (Rookie)
- Kiran Amegadjie
- Theo Benedet
Darnell Wright will serve as the Bears’ starting right tackle for the third straight season. Wright has been solid so far, but hasn’t quite lived up to his draft position as a top-ten pick. He’s shown some flashes of dominance, but needs to develop some consistency, which I hope we see this season.
The interior of the offensive line got a massive boost this offseason. Ryan Poles traded for All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney, signed veteran center Drew Dalman, and traded for former Pro Bowl right guard Jonah Jackson. The Bears’ offensive line was a mess last year, giving up 68 sacks, the most in the NFL. On paper, they should be a lot better, but we’ll have to see how it plays out.
The left tackle position is still a major question mark. Braxton Jones has been the starter for the past few seasons, but he dealt with an injury this offseason and hasn’t been the same since returning. Rookie Ozzy Trapilo, Kiran Amegadjie, and Theo Benedet have all gotten reps at LT. Trapilo played RT in college, so the transition for him has been a little shaky. Amegadjie played a little bit at LT last season when Jones went down, and he was awful. I hope he improves this season if he has to play. Benedet was injured all of last season, but impressed in training camp this year. I expect Jones to be the week one starter, but the Bears have three other guys who can step in, which makes for some great depth.
Ryan Bates and Luke Newman are the other linemen on the roster. Bates played in Chicago last season and wasn’t great. He does have the versatility to play center and guard, but let’s hope he never has to come in. Newman is a rookie guard from Michigan State. In the preseason, he’s proved to be a reliable lineman and even looked like he belonged. Both of them will serve as depth pieces on the interior.
Special Teams (3)
- Kicker – Cairo Santos
- Punter – Tory Taylor
- Long Snapper – Scott Daly
Cairo Santos will be the Bears’ kicker for the sixth straight season. Santos is just so reliable. Even though he has limitations because of his lack of leg strength, there aren’t many kickers in the NFL who are more accurate than him. I hope we get to see his signature celebration this season, which he busted out in the Week 18 vs. Green Bay last year.
Punting for the Bears will be Tory Taylor. Taylor was selected in the 4th round of the 2024 NFL draft, which is unusually high for a punter. His rookie season was up and down, but he was tied for third in punts inside the 20-yard line with 38. Having someone who can pin the opposing team deep in their own territory is so valuable.
Scott Daly will be the Bears’ long snapper (I know, so exciting). Daly took over for Patrick Scales last season and earned another year in Chicago.
Defensive End (4)
- Montez Sweat
- Dayo Odeyingbo
- Daniel Hardy
- Dominique Robinson
You might be thinking, “Wow, this doesn’t look good at all.” Trust me, I am well aware. The Bears struggled mightily to get pressure on opposing QBs last season, and I don’t see that changing.
Montez Sweat is a very good NFL defensive end. Is he a star player? No. But he’s a starting-caliber defensive end and has produced some good seasons in the NFL. The only problem is the Bears are paying him quite a bit of money, so if he could go off this season, that would be much appreciated.
The Bears signed former Colts DE Dayo Odeyingbo to a lucrative contract, much more than what he’s worth in my opinion. He’s a young pass rusher at just 25 years old, and his best days are likely still to come. But honestly, he hasn’t flashed during training camp or the preseason. The Bears desperately need him to produce this season because if he doesn’t, we’ll have the same problem we did last year.
Daniel Hardy is a fun player and brings some juice to the defensive line, but he’s not the greatest player. Then there’s Dominique Robinson, whom I’ve given up on probably about five times now. He’s been with the Bears for the last three seasons and has yet to show anything. Hopefully, both of these guys can outdo their projections.
Defensive Tackle (5)
- Grady Jarrett
- Gervon Dexter
- Andrew Billings
- Chris Williams
- Shemar Turner (Rookie)
Grady Jarrett is one of the most exciting additions to the Bears. He’s been a great NFL player during his 10-year career, making two Pro Bowl appearances. While he’s on the back of his career, I think he’ll provide some pass-rush help and be the three-technique the Bears have been searching for.
Gervon Dexter is going to be an animal this season. I’m convinced of it. The Bears used a second-round pick in the 2023 draft to select DT Gervon Dexter. Dexter’s rookie season was not great. He played with a high pad level and wasn’t in the greatest shape. But last season, he showed why he was drafted so high. Dexter displayed power and quickness while also producing for the Bears’ D. I think he’ll take an even bigger leap this season, and playing alongside a veteran like Jarrett will do wonders for his development.
Andrew Billings is just awesome. He’s a massive human being and such a joy to Bears fans. The run-stopping nose tackle was one of the best DTs in football last year until an injury knocked him out for the rest of the season. I hope Billings can continue his success from last season because he deserves it.
Shemar Turner is someone I’m so excited about. The rookie from Texas A&M is an athletic freak. He’s insanely quick for his size, and he possesses the versatility to play on the edge as well as the interior. Since he was injured during training camp, we didn’t hear much about him, but I hope we hear his name often during the season.
Linebackers (5)
- Tremaine Edmunds
- T.J. Edwards
- Noah Sewell
- Rueben Hyppolite II (Rookie)
- D’Marco Jackson
Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards are returning for their third seasons as the Bears’ lead linebackers. Edmunds hasn’t quite lived up to his potential, but his size and athleticism are uncanny for a middle linebacker. I think DC Dennis Allen will unlock his true potential this season. Edwards is just Mister Reliable. He isn’t great in pass coverage, but he is an excellent tackler, a great leader, and a presence in stopping the run. I love this linebacker duo and am excited to see them in year three.
Noah Sewell and Rueben Hyppolite have been competing for the starting sam-linebacker spot throughout training camp. Sewell has been with the Bears for a few seasons, but has yet to put it together. It seems he’s improved this season and should contribute on Sundays. Hyppolite is an unpolished rookie, but my oh m,y is he athletic. This dude was flying around in the preseason. And while sometimes he was in the wrong spot, he was always there in a hurry. Once he figures out the technical side of the game, I could see Hyppolite becoming a starter for the Bears.
Cornerbacks (7)
- Jaylon Johnson
- Kyler Gordon
- Tyrique Stevenson
- Nahshon Wright
- Josh Blackwell
- Nick McCloud
- Jaylon Jones
Bears fans should know most of these guys by now. Jaylon Johnson is returning as the team’s #1 lockdown corner. He nursed a soft tissue injury during training camp, but Ryan Poles said that he’s pushing for a Week 1 return. Kyler Gordon will be the team’s starting slot corner and may even play on the outside a bit, so be on the lookout for that. Tyrique Stevenson will likely start opposite JJ. He’s a young corner and is still learning (obviously the Hail Mary last year), but his talent is immense. Josh Blackwell is returning as the backup slot corner and will provide some great value on special teams.
Nahshon Wright and Nick McCloud are the new guys. Wright was a camp standout as he battled with Stevenson for the #2 corner spot. He’s a lengthy corner who’s been in the league for a few seasons. I expect Wright to add some depth and replace Johnson or Stevenson in case of injury. McCloud is someone I was shocked to see make the roster. He was another camp standout who could play both inside and outside corner.
JAYLON JONES IS BACK!!! I’m not sure if anyone else remembers Jaylon Jones, but I sure do. He was a rotational corner who played a lot of special teams. I don’t know why, but I really liked his hustle and work ethic, and I’m excited to see him back in Chicago.
Safeties (4)
- Kevin Byard
- Jaquan Brisker
- Jonathan Owens
- Elijah Hicks
The Bears are returning all four safeties from a season ago. Kevin Byard leads the charge as he enters his second season in Chicago. Byard was excellent last season, and I expect him to continue that play into 2025. Jaquan Brisker is a fan favorite. His dawg mentality just screams Chicago Bear. If he can stay healthy this season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brisker on the Pro Bowl Roster.
Jonathan Owens (Simone Biles’ husband) is returning for his second season with the Bears. He’s a good rotational safety with value on special teams. He even scored a touchdown on a block punt in Week 1 last season. Elijah Hicks will be the other backup safety. Hicks has been up and down as a Bear, but as far as backups go, he’s not too shabby.
IR (3)
- Travis Homer (RB)
- Amen Ogbongbomiga (LB)
- Austin Booker (DE)
Season-Ending IR (3)
- Terrell Smith (CB)
- Shaun Wade (CB)
- Deion Hankins (RB)
Non-Football Injury (1)
- Zah Frazier (CB)
The Bears roster is ready to roll for the upcoming season.
Are you?
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