Chicago Bears still searching for starting safety duo

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Chicago Bears still searching for starting safety duo

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Sep 1, 2026 8:02 PM ET

The Chicago Bears planned to have Coby Bryant and Dillon Thieneman as their starting safeties in 2026. But with Bryant undergoing knee surgery, those plans have gone out the window.

Thieneman is still locked in to his starting position and will have high expectations as a rookie. But next to him, the Bears are still deciding between Xavier Woods and Cam Lewis, via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

“Logic says the plan is probably to get Woods to a spot where the coaches feel comfortable starting him. He has 121 career starts over the previous nine seasons for four teams,” Biggs wrote. “Lewis was more of a backup the last six years in Buffalo, where he totaled 14 starts. The Bears really liked Lewis’ ability on special teams and figured he could be a backup at multiple positions, which is valuable.”

“How it plays out from here will be interesting to see,” he continued. “Again, if the coaches want Lewis’ experience at nickel, that would decide the safety question right there. It’s worth wondering if there’s potentially a plan in which Woods and Lewis both see action in Week 1.”

Who will win Bears’ starting safety job?

Jul 29, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen speaks during Chicago Bears Training Camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Woods did start next to Thieneman in the Bears’ preseason finale. Perhaps that’s a sign of what’s to come. Lewis provides Chicago with more versatility, which will play anther role in the franchise’s decision.

The defensive back can play either safety or nickel cornerback. With Kyler Gordon’s mysterious absence, the Bears have a clear need at nickel. Fourth-round rookie Malik Muhammad may ultimately win the job. But if Chicago isn’t comfortable with that arrangement early on, Lewis could be in the slot.

In that scenario, Woods would undoubtedly be the second starter at safety. Even if Muhammad does win the job, they may prefer to move Lewis around the defense rather than stick him at safety.

Still, the defensive back was an early addition in free agency while Woods was only signed after Bryant went down. Lewis may have a better idea of Chicago’s defensive schemes with Week 1 looming.

Who the Bears decide to start will be telling of their defensive goals in 2026. But as Chicago tries to replace Bryant, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them move some pieces around.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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