While the Chicago Bears are getting ready for an important Week 18 matchup, fans can't help but glance ahead to the 2026 offseason. The Bears will have a handful of key contributors they will look to retain after what has been a breakout season for the franchise. The first year under Ben Johnson simply couldn't have gone any better and needs a storybook ending.
This is a ending that a number of surprise contributors can write, with three players standing out by going far beyond expectations. Not only have they locked up their roles for this season, but they have cemented themselves into 2026 roles and should stick around through the offseason.
1. RB Kyle Monangai
While Monangai has three years remaining on his rookie deal, it was a real question whether the back would return for 2026. This obviously seems laughable in retrospect, but it is the reality of being the 233rd overall pick in last April's draft. Every team in the league passed on the playmaker multiple times; it is a reality to point out that not only was this season's roster spot far from promised, but next season's as well. Obviously, this has changed with Monangai putting together an incredible 2025 season.
The rookie has 769 rushing yards and five touchdowns despite D'Andre Swift already surpassing 1,000 rushing yards and being the starting option. Monangai has gone a step beyond defying expectations and cementing his status heading into next season. At this point, there isn't anything reasonable that can be done to change the playmaker's level of job security.
It is a great story and development for a player that many overlooked, and even Chicago was hesitant to give chances to early on in the season. This adds up to the franchise having an incredibly bright future at the running back position.
2. CB Nahshon Wright
Wright is another example of an overlooked player who has found his way into Chicago's 2026 plans. The corner was a 2021 third-round pick who has been let go by both the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings. Chicago was the defender's third stop of his career and it has proven to be by far the best.
Chicago has every reason to Wright the defender to what could be the defender's first lucrative contract. The corner is a starter in this league and has been incredibly important to the Bears' breakout season. This includes grabbing a league-leading five interceptions and offering Chicago a level of stability at the cornerback position. It is going to be far more expensive to bring Wright back for the 2026 season, but there simply is no valid argument against making the move.
Wright deserves a raise after becoming not only one of the Bears' better stories, but league-wide. Being written off by two teams and brought into Chicago as expected depth, he turned into a productive starter, which is a great way to lock up a pay day and make sure the franchise has no question but for you to return.
3. S Kevin Byard
Byrard makes this list simply due to the level that the safety has jumped to in 2025. To say Byard has played at an All-Pro level isn't hyperbolic but accurate of a defender who simply has found another gear late in his career. Finding value in the safety a season ago was ideal and a bit of a surprise after both the Eagles and Titans had given up on the veteran. However, it seemed probable that the Bears would turn the page at the end of 2025 when his two-year, $15 million contract expired.
The safety was slated to hit free agency after this season, and it made sense to attempt to get younger at the position. Now, it is impossible to imagine Chicago's 2026 defense without the impressive safety manning the back end after collecting an NFL-high six interceptions.
Byard has more than earned a contract extension and seems to have defied Father Time after appearing to be regressing after spending the 2023 season with Philadelphia. For the Bears, Byard is easily the most important player slated to hit free agency and simply cannot be allowed to leave. The veteran has gone from an aging player the Bears were likely to move past to a star the defense simply can't live without.