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Bears’ Projected 53-Man Roster Post Preseason Finale

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Isaac Zuniga | Last updated Aug 23, 2025 9:30 AM ET

For the most part, Chicago Bears fans have a good feeling about how the 53-man roster is going to shape up. At least, that’s how it feels every season.

But this year, it feels like the Bears have to make some tough roster cuts, with what might be one of the most talented teams Chicago has boasted in the past decade. That said, here are the Bears’ 53-man roster predictions.

Bears’ Projected 53-Man Roster

Quarterback (3): Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum

No surprises here. Tyson Bagent recently signed a well-deserved two-year, $10 million deal worth up to $16 million with incentives, and Case Keenum is the much-needed veteran presence in the quarterback room for the two young quarterbacks.

Running Back (4): D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, Kyle Monangai, Royce Freeman

Here’s where things start to get interesting. Besides D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and seventh-round pick Kyle Monanagai, there’s a case for guys like Travis Homer, Ian Wheeler, or Royce Freeman to grab the final spot. In this case, Freeman takes it, but there’s a feeling that the Bears aren’t done revamping their running back group yet.

The reason? There were 25 running backs drafted in 2025, which means there will be some notable veteran RBs who will be cut. The Bears could take a look at one veteran with all the injuries in the running back room right now.

Wide Receiver (5): DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Olamide Zaccheaus, Luther Burden III, Devin Duvernay

Ben Johnson has a history of not keeping many wide receivers on his roster, with the Detroit Lions typically carrying four or five receivers on the 53-man roster over the past few seasons. And with one of the most talented wide receiver rooms in the NFL, it’s hard to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. The first four guys are virtually locks, and the Bears will be relying on Devin Duvernay on punt and kick return duties.

Tight End (4): Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, Durham Smythe, Joel Wilson

If there’s one position group that Johnson would like to stack up on, it’s tight end. There’s makings of a formidable duo in Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland, and Joel Wilson could be one of the surprise players to make the 53-man roster.

Offensive Line (10): Braxton Jones, Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, Jonah Jackson, Darnell Wright, Theo Benedet, Luke Newman, Ryan Bates, Ozzy Trapilo, Kiran Amegadjie

Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Luke Newman (65) after the game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Aside from the starting unit, Theo Benedet has been a nice surprise, as he’s in the mix for the starting left tackle spot. Luke Newman, the Bears’ 2025 sixth-round draft pick, has impressed during the preseason, filling in at left guard for Joe Thuney with the starting unit and playing at center and right guard in practice. With Kiran Amegadjie, it’s hard to say. Ryan Poles seems to have a hard time drafting in the third round, and he likely won’t want to give up on him just yet.

Defensive End (4): Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Austin Booker, Dominique Robinson

This feels like the most unpredictable group. There’s a ton of potential, but it’s up to these four players to capitalize on their opportunities. The re’ll definitely be a good portion of Bears fans keeping an eye on the pass rush play, so hopefully they can deliver results.

Defensive Tackle (5): Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter Sr., Andrew Billings, Shemar Turner, Chris Williams

It seems like Ryan Poles missed yet again with his third-round pick as Zacch Pickens has failed to make his mark. But to make up for it, he drafted Texas A&M DT Shemar Turner, who can line up anywhere along the defensive line. Poles also signed longtime Atlanta Falcon Grady Jarrett in free agency, and the hope is that he can be a leader on this new-look Bears’ defense.

Linebacker (5): Tremaine Edmunds, TJ Edwards, Noah Sewell, Ruben Hyppolite II, Amen Ogbongbemiga

The Bears clearly saw something no one else did with fourth-round pick Ruben Hyppolite, who’s battling with Noah Sewell for the third LB spot. Reports out of camp have been positive surrounding Tremaine Edmunds, who hopes to have a bounce-back season. Other than that, TJ Edwards should continue to shine, and Amen Ogbongbemiga will be a key special teamer.

Cornerback (6): Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, Nahshon Wright, Josh Blackwell, Nick McCloud

The hearts of many Bears fans sank when the news that Terell Smith will miss the entire season with a torn patellar tendon, but the good news is the Bears are stacked at cornerback. Nahshon Wright has been turning heads this offseason, although he struggled in the final preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, the pressure is on Tyrique Stevenson to not only perform but stay consistent. As for fifth-round pick Zah Frazier, who’s been excused for personal reasons and battled through an injury during camp, he’ll likely be placed on the practice squad.

Safety (4): Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, Jonathan Owens, Elijah Hicks

Going into next season, the Bears will have the same four safeties on deck. The hope is that Jaquan Brisker can stay healthy, and if that’s the case, the Bears boast one of the top safety duos in the NFL with him and Kevin Byard.