As the Chicago Bears get ready for the second half of the 2026 season, there are a few players who will be playing for potential contracts, to keep their jobs, or to audition for their next job. Which players have the most on the line?
5 Chicago Bears With Most on the Line in Second Half 2026
Jaylon Johnson
Johnson has a $25M cap hit with just $9M in dead cap. The team would save $16M in salary cap space if they moved on from Johnson this offseason. Johnson has been a massive disappointment and might be losing a step. Unless something significantly changes, he will be a free agent this winter.
Grady Jarrett
Jarrett has a cap hit nearing $17M. The team could clear close to $13M of that space if they moved on from him. He is 33 years old, and injuries are starting to catch up with him. The team also did not anticipate adding Jeffery Simmons when they signed Jarrett.
They could use depth on the line, but at the price tag, cutting Jarrett seems obvious.
Kyler Gordon
Gordon has suddenly become a tough debate. He has a $13M cap hit next year. A few weeks ago, it was clear that the team would save $8M in cap space by releasing Gordon. However, when he is healthy, he is worth the money.
At this point, the inconsistencies do not outweigh the production, and the team will likely move on. He appears most equipped to force his way onto the roster next year, though.
TJ Edwards
Edwards has a $14M cap hit next year. The team can save $8.5M if they move on from him. Edwards is 30 years old, and injuries have started to catch up with him. More than that, Devin Bush has stepped into the top linebacker role. D’Marco Jackson is good enough that moving on from Edwards seems logical. He will have to change that sentiment in the second half.
Tyrique Stevenson
Stevenson is going to be a free agent this offseason. He could be a tough one because he has struggled and might start to lose snaps. The team has had one of Kyler Gordon or Malik Muhammad injured for most of the year. If those two are healthy and Jaylon Johnson is on the field, there is no need for Stevenson. He has a lot to prove but might not have the chances to prove it.
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