The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of training camp, where second-year head coach Ben Johnson will look to prepare his team for the 2026 season. Chicago is coming off an impressive 11-6 season, where they won the NFC North and their first playoff game since 2010. Now, expectations are higher than ever.
When the Bears hit the practice field at Halas Hall later this month, there will be no shortage of storylines to keep an eye on, including some notable position battles. There are two starting spots up for grabs along the offensive line, as well as cornerback and special teams, on top of depth and roster spots elsewhere.
While Chicago was already hard at work during the offseason program, the real test starts in training camp, especially when the pads come on in August. With that in mind, here are the top position battles to watch this summer.
For the second consecutive summer, the Bears will have a battle for the starting left tackle job. With Ozzy Trapilo expected to miss most of the 2026 season after rupturing his patellar tendon in the wild-card playoffs, Chicago is searching for a new starter. They brought back veteran Braxton Jones on a one-year deal to compete with returning veteran Theo Benedet, who replaced Jones last season at one point, and former first-round pick and free-agent addition Jedrick Wills Jr. Jones is the presumed frontrunner given his experienced as a three-year starter before returning from injury last season, which hampered his production. ****** uming Jones is healthy, this is his job to lose along an offensive line that's considered one of the best in the league.
At one point, center was considered a strength for the Bears with Pro Bowler Drew Dalman in place. But following Dalman's shocking retirement, the Bears were forced to pivot and find a suitable replacement. Chicago traded a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots for veteran Garrett Bradbury, who's spent most of his career in the NFC North, for a one-year rental. The Bears doubled down with the selection of rookie Logan Jones in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and he's expected to be the long-term answer. Ben Johnson made it clear that Jones will have an opportunity to compete for the starting job as a rookie, but Bradbury currently has the advantage given his experience.
When the Bears hit the practice field at Halas Hall later this month, there will be no shortage of storylines to keep an eye on, including some notable position battles. There are two starting spots up for grabs along the offensive line, as well as cornerback and special teams, on top of depth and roster spots elsewhere.
While Chicago was already hard at work during the offseason program, the real test starts in training camp, especially when the pads come on in August. With that in mind, here are the top position battles to watch this summer.
For the second consecutive summer, the Bears will have a battle for the starting left tackle job. With Ozzy Trapilo expected to miss most of the 2026 season after rupturing his patellar tendon in the wild-card playoffs, Chicago is searching for a new starter. They brought back veteran Braxton Jones on a one-year deal to compete with returning veteran Theo Benedet, who replaced Jones last season at one point, and former first-round pick and free-agent addition Jedrick Wills Jr. Jones is the presumed frontrunner given his experienced as a three-year starter before returning from injury last season, which hampered his production. ****** uming Jones is healthy, this is his job to lose along an offensive line that's considered one of the best in the league.
At one point, center was considered a strength for the Bears with Pro Bowler Drew Dalman in place. But following Dalman's shocking retirement, the Bears were forced to pivot and find a suitable replacement. Chicago traded a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots for veteran Garrett Bradbury, who's spent most of his career in the NFC North, for a one-year rental. The Bears doubled down with the selection of rookie Logan Jones in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and he's expected to be the long-term answer. Ben Johnson made it clear that Jones will have an opportunity to compete for the starting job as a rookie, but Bradbury currently has the advantage given his experience.
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