{"id":238575,"date":"2025-07-03T17:14:50","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T21:14:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=238575"},"modified":"2025-07-03T17:14:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T21:14:50","slug":"bears-players-shaping-next-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/07\/03\/bears-players-shaping-next-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Players Shaping the Chicago Bears’ 2025-26 Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the Chicago Bears<\/a> gear up for the 2025-26 NFL season, expectations are as high as they’ve been in years. With a new-look roster blending promising young talent and proven veterans, the Bears are determined to turn the corner and return to playoff contention. Chicago has assembled a group capable of shifting the team’s identity on both sides of the ball, and here are the top players who will define Chicago’s pursuit of success.<\/p>\n

Players Shaping the Chicago Bears’ 2025-26 Season<\/h2>\n

11. CB Tyrique Stevenson<\/h3>\n

There’s been plenty of criticism for Tyrique Stevenson<\/a> ever since the Hail Mary incident in Washington,<\/a> but now he’s also playing for a starting spot against Terell Smith<\/a> and rookie Zah Frazier.<\/a> The Bears don’t appear to be giving up on him, so make the most out of another opportunity to prove why the team drafted you in the second round back in 2023.<\/p>\n

10. DE Dayo Odeyingbo<\/h3>\n

The Bears went out and signed pass rusher Dayo Odeyingbo<\/a> to a three-year, $48 million deal<\/a> over other free agent pass rushers like Josh Sweat,<\/a> Haason Reddick,<\/a> and Chase Young,<\/a> to name a few. For a team that desperately needs help getting to the quarterback, Odeyingbo will need to step up in a bigger role with the Bears.<\/p>\n

9 & 8. TE Cole Kmet\/Colston Loveland<\/h3>\n

Had to include both together, but Cole Kmet<\/a> and Colston Loveland<\/a> will be detrimental to what Ben Johnson wants to accomplish on offense. For Kmet, show the people who are already casting you aside why you’re still TE1 in Chicago. And for Loveland, show the team why the Bears drafted you in the first round despite already having Kmet on the roster.<\/p>\n

7. S Jaquan Brisker<\/h3>\n

Everyone in the secondary had relatively solid seasons; players like Jaylon Johnson,<\/a> Kyler Gordon,<\/a> and Kevin Byard,<\/a> to name a few. But the unfortunate reality is that Jaquan Brisker<\/a> only played five games last season due to a concussion, which hurt the defense more than expected. Heading into a contract year, he needs to step up in a huge way.<\/p>\n

6. DE Montez Sweat<\/h3>\n

There’s an added expectation that Montez Sweat<\/a> will have to produce this season as the alpha pass rusher in Chicago. Having a down year in 2024, he doesn’t want a repeat of last season.<\/a><\/p>\n

“I don’t think there’s anyone in this building working as hard as Montez Sweat right now,” general manager Ryan Poles said this offseason. “He’s pushing weight, he’s getting strong, he’s getting in shape. He’s locked in like I’ve never seen him before.”<\/p>\n

5. WR D.J. Moore<\/h3>\n
\"DJ
Jun 3, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) speaks during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The veteran receiver of the bunch, Caleb Williams<\/a> will be relying a ton on D.J. Moore<\/a> this season. He’s been through multiple quarterbacks and offensive play callers, but that’s never stopped him from balling out. There’s a lot to be excited about with the rest of the wide receivers, but Moore will have a huge responsibility to be a leader in the wide receiver room.<\/p>\n

4. LB T.J. Edwards<\/h3>\n

The leader of the defense, T.J. Edwards<\/a> is continuing the legacy of premier linebackers in Chicago. He always seems to be in the right spot at the right time, and the Bears’ defense isn’t the same without him on the field.<\/p>\n

3. G Joe Thuney<\/h3>\n

A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro who’s blocked for Tom Brady<\/a> and Patrick Mahomes<\/a> during his career, the Bears are fortunate to have Joe Thuney<\/a> on their side. Usually, having an older player like Thuney is more for mentorship and experience, but he’s still one of the top guards in the NFL and will be an enormous boost to an offensive line that desperately needs it.<\/p>\n

2. C Drew Dalman<\/h3>\n

The Bears signed Drew Dalman<\/a> to a three-year, $42 million deal<\/a> this offseason, and it might end up as one of the most important free-agent acquisitions in Bears’ history. Having one of the top centers in the league will be a massive boost for Caleb Williams, and Dalman is expected to be the “quarterback of the offensive line,”<\/a> according to Ben Johnson. Without him, things will get tricky on offense for the Bears.<\/p>\n

1. QB Caleb Williams<\/h3>\n

The obvious choice. Without him, it’s a completely different team.<\/p>\n

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Relive every touchdown from Caleb Williams' debut season \ud83d\udc3b@CALEBcsw<\/a> | @chicagobears<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ozcmysg0G5<\/a><\/p>\n

— NFL (@NFL) May 22, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n