5 breakout candidates for Chicago Bears in 2026Alyssa Barbieri, Bears WireMon, Jul 13, 2026·4 min read
The Chicago Bears have no shortage of young talent on the roster that will be key to them repeating their success in 2026, where Chicago will now be the hunted after their 11-6 season where they won the NFC North and made waves in the NFC.
The Bears offense found immediate success under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, where they ranked among the Top 10 in a variety of categories, including points per game, yards per game, passing and rushing. They had some notable contributions from a pair of young rookies, who will once again be key in 2026. Meanwhile, the defense had its struggles amid injuries and a failure to get after the quarterback. Now, Dennis Allen is turning to a pair of young defenders to help elevate the unit.
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With training camp just around the corner, here's a look at five Bears players who are candidates to have a breakout season in 2026, which would be key for Chicago's success.
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) talks with head coach Ben Johnson during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) stretches during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Skyler Thomas (38) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump stretches during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump (64) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) runs during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump (L) and Garrett Bradbury (R) train during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears line backer Wayne Matthews III runs with the ball (35) during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Caden Barnett (76) runs on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs with the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) passes the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)1 / 19
Caleb Williams on moment he got comfortable in Ben Johnson's offense
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) talks with head coach Ben Johnson during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) stretches during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
1 Bears sleeper to watch at every position on defense in training camp
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Skyler Thomas (38) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump stretches during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump (64) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
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Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
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Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) runs during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
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Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Caleb Williams on moment he got comfortable in Ben Johnson's offense
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
1 Bears player to watch at each position on offense in training camp
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump (L) and Garrett Bradbury (R) train during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears line backer Wayne Matthews III runs with the ball (35) during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Caden Barnett (76) runs on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp 2026
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs with the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
1 Bears player to watch at each position on offense in training camp
Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) passes the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images (Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Colston Loveland had a mini-breakout during his rookie season, where it took some time before he emerged as a dangerous playmaker down the stretch. Loveland led Chicago in receptions (58) and receiving yards (713) and tied for most touchdowns (6). In the final 12 games of the season (including two postseason contests), Loveland caught 59 passes for 790 yards and six touchdowns. He also set an NFL rookie record with the most receiving yards in a single postseason with 193 yards in two playoff games. And that was just in one year with Ben Johnson. Now, Loveland is poised to take a big leap in Year 2, as a top target for quarterback Caleb Williams, and cement his status as one of the best tight ends in the league.
Speaking of standout rookies from last season, second-year receiver Luther Burden III is poised to make waves in extended action this season following the departure of veteran DJ Moore this offseason. Burden had an impressive rookie season, in limited action, where he showcased his speed and playmaking ability in Chicago's top-five offense. Burden was a standout during offseason workouts, where his chemistry with Caleb Williams continues to develop and he continues to earn the respect of his head coach, who is "buying Luther Burden stock" heading into 2026. There's even discussion among fans and analysts that Burden could have a breakout season and surpass Rome Odunze as WR1.
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The Bears didn't make any moves at edge rusher this offseason, so they're banking on the guys already on the roster, including third-year pro Austin Booker. While Booker missed the first seven games with a knee injury suffered during the preseason, he returned in force opposite star Montez Sweat and showcased his impressive potential. Booker had 4.5 sacks, 12 QB hits, 35 tackles, five tackles for loss, three pass breakups and one forced fumbles in 10 games with nine starts. Chicago is banking on a breakout year for the former fourth-round pick to help shore up the team's biggest weakness.
With DJ Moore being traded to the Buffalo Bills, Rome Odunze is now the presumed No. 1 receiver on the Bears. Odunze got off to a hot start last season, with 20 receptions for 296 yards and five touchdowns, but he fell off while dealing with a foot injury. Odunze finished with 44 receptions, 661 yards and six touchdowns after missing the final five regular-season games with that stress fracture and made his return during the postseason. Odunze admitted that his 2025 season was "absolutely" an underachievement, so all eyes will be on the former first-round pick to step up to the challenge, especially as he might face competition from teammate Luther Burden III for the WR1 spot.
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Chicago got a steal in Dillon Thieneman in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He has elite instincts and playmaking ability that should make him a difference maker in Dennis Allen's defense opposite fellow newcomer in veteran Coby Bryant. Last season with Oregon, Thieneman totaled 92 tackles, two interceptions, five pass breakups and one sack and earned First-Team All Big Ten honors. After the losses of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker this offseason, the Bears have shored up safety in a big way. Chicago's first-round pick will factor in immediately as a rookie starting opposite Bryant, where he has the potential to make a significant impact in Year 1.