Chicago Bears' Projected Starting Lineup After Free Agency

The Bears might not have made many big splashes through free agency. However, they added a few starters who will be in line for big roles on Sundays.

I know some were upset that they didn't do more to address the weaknesses along the defensive line, but that was one unit I hoped they'd largely hit in the draft, anyway. The draft is loaded at the defensive end position, and I also think there are a few big guys who would make a big impact if they went that route. Notably, there's also one more position that will definitely feature a day-one starting rookie.

The Bears already look a LOT different than they did two months ago. How is the starting lineup looking with free agency in the books?

Quarterback: Caleb Williams

No controversy here. Caleb Williams should be ready to take a major leap in year two under Ben Johnson's offense.

Running Back: D'Andre Swift

D'Andre Swift gets the nod by default, but it's definitely going to be another 1A, 1B situation. Swift and Kyle Monangai are one of the league's best running back duos. They're both going to have a healthy workload.

Wide Receivers: Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Kalif Raymond

Rome Odunze and Luther Burden are locked into their roles as the top two receivers on the team, and I really think they have the potential to develop into an elite duo. They both only really need to eliminate the drops and stay healthy for that to happen (it sure wouldn't hurt if Odunze could improve on his ability to make contested catches, though).

I think Kalif Raymond will definitely have an underrated role on offense this season. He is a quality gadget guy who will be much more dependable than Olamide Zaccheaus was last year. I also think Jahdae Walker has a chance to carve out a role for himself. I think it will be clear how they feel about him when it comes to when (if ever) they target a receiver in the draft later this month.

Tight End: Colston Loveland

Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet should both practically be considered starters. Ben Johnson loves his two tight end sets, and they're both destined to play key roles on offense. I think Loveland will firmly establish himself as one of the league's best tight ends in 2026.

Offensive Line: Braxton Jones, Joe Thuney, Garrett Bradbury, Jonah Jackson, Darnell Wright

Assuming Braxton Jones returns to his pre-injury form, another offseason removed from a fractured fibula he suffered late in the '24 season, then the Bears' starting five could be really strong again. This is a group I could see them prioritizing if they don't feel great about the long-term prognosis of Ozzy Trapilo, who suffered a torn patellar tendon in the Wild Card Round, but I personally hope they prioritize the defensive side of the ball.

I also expect them to draft a developmental center at some point. This is a good center class, and Garrett Bradbury will probably only be a one-year stopgap. However, they probably hope he can hold down the starting job and give the rookie time to learn the offense before taking over in 2027.

Defensive Line: Montez Sweat, Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter, Austin Booker

I'd be shocked if they don't address the defensive line with at least one addition through the draft. My gut says they will add one player on the edge and one on the interior. With that said, I think they'll be trying to replicate the blueprint that Seattle took with their defensive line. They don't have any big names and instead deploy waves of pass-rushing efficiency.

Montez Sweat and Grady Jarrett are locks to play major roles. I think Gervon Dexter's role will probably depend on who they land in the draft. I could see a scenario where his role is dwarfed on early downs if they land a quality run stuffer who can eat up double teams. Alternatively, I think Jarrett's role on passing downs will be dwarfed if they prioritize a more athletic DT (adding Gracen Halton on Day two would be a dream scenario).

Austin Booker, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Shemar Turner (and potentially another rookie) will all play key roles at defensive end (and the interior on passing downs in the case of the latter two). I wanted to highlight Booker as the "starter" here, because I think he's the most promising of the bunch. If he builds on this season and puts on some more weight this offseason (and they don't draft a DE at pick 25), then I think his role could expand.

Linebackers: Devin Bush, TJ Edwards, D'Marco Jackson

This is another group that I could see them adding to if they like the options available on day two of the draft. This year's linebacker class is loaded, and they might have concerns about T.J. Edwards' ability to bounce back (and, more specifically, his speed) after he fractured his fibula in the wild card round. With that said, Devin Bush is a lock to play a major role on defense, and D'Marco Jackson is a rock-solid and low-priced starting option.

Cornerbacks: Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson

Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are two of the best players on Chicago's defense. Assuming they can stay healthy, they should be able to bounce back strong after they both had incredibly disappointing 2025 campaigns. The obvious wild card of this bunch would be Tyrique Stevenson. How early they prioritize the cornerback position (if at all) in the draft will be a clear indicator of how they feel about him.

I think Stevenson is in line for a starting position as it stands right now, but you definitely shouldn't write it in pen. Terell Smith probably would've played a role on defense had he been healthy last year, and they're probably hoping they can turn Zah Frazier into this year's Nahshon Wright. That CB2 job will definitely be an open competition.

Safety: Coby Bryant, 2026 rookie

Safety is the only position where I think it's safe to pencil in a day one starting rookie. Sure, they re-signed Elijah Hicks, but that was due to him being a special teams ace. Yeah, they also signed Cam Lewis, but I don't think he'll be a starting option there when it's all said and done (I think he'll be insurance in case Kyler Gordon gets hurt). I'd be shocked if they don't land a starter through the first four rounds. Luckily for them, it's a good year to need a safety. This year's class features a bevvy of starting-quality options.