The Chicago Bears are heading into the 2026 season facing the highest level of pressure the franchise has dealt with in recent memory. After a playoff win and huge leap under head coach Ben Johnson, the defending NFC North champs are expected to be Super Bowl contenders, and this will be reflected on a roster that is dealing with heightened expectations given very little room for error.
With this in mind, let's look at four Bears players, particularly, who find themselves in unique pressure filled situations. Starting with a pass catcher that has been facing trade rumors for the better part of a year, but continues to be an important piece of the Chicago offense.
1. Cole Kmet
The offseason departures of DJ Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus opened up a clear number of targets that Kmet is expected to help fill. However, you're still dealing with the pressure of playing behind standout pass catcher Colston Loveland, and it seems Chicago wasn't content with this level of pressure. Drafting Sam Roush, who has made promising strides early in the summer and appears to be a potential contributor.
Kmet is very quickly running out of time to win the trust of Williams and put himself in a position to be a featured target. A trade seems likely at the end of this season, but Kmet can stay with the franchise a bit longer if he is able to find a way to get off to a hot start and slow the excitement around the possible contributions of Roush.
2. Garrett Bradbury
Months ago, Bradbury was starting in the Super Bowl and appeared to be one of the league's most consistent starting options at the position. A few weeks later, the Bears acquired the veteran, appearing to cement their offensive line and leave little question about what the expectations were for the position moving forward. Logan Jones was drafted and has instantly turned up the pressure on the veteran, leaving no question that his job is under fire.
Bradbury is going to be under the microscope the entire summer and into the 2026 season if he manages to hold onto his starting position. Each game will serve as a debate as to whether or not Jones gives the team a better chance at what expectations are moving forward.
3. Kyler Gordon
Gordon is such a great contributor when the corner is able to stay healthy and on the field. Time is running out for Gordon to prove he can be a contributor that Chicago can build around and rely on moving forward. Another injury-filled season should be more than enough for the Bears to turn the page and find a move capable answer that doesn't come with the clear injury risks.
The defensive back is heading into this season as a question mark, not due to his level of play, but the unknown of how long he can stay on the field. Gordon needs to play double-digit games and do so at a high level, or the Bears will likely move on and find a more reliable answer.
4. Grady Jarrett
In a 2025 season full of free agency and drafting wins, Jarrett was a clear outlier as a bust of a signing. The veteran lineman was hampered by injuries and unable to offer anything close to the expected presence on the inside. Chicago still was forced to stay with the lineman based on a contract that doesn't provide a clear out until the end of the 2026 season.
It is safe to say Jarrett is playing for his roster spot with another year of frustration from the pass rusher leading to a likely cut. Something Bears fans are obviously hoping against with Jarrett turning back the clock to the best version of himself, being an underrated possibility that could serve as a makeover for the Chicago pass rush.
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