Before the start of the regular season, there is optimism across all teams. However, the reality of the NFL can strike quickly. Who on the Chicago Bears might end up not living up to expectations this season?
5 Chicago Bears who might disappoint in 2026
TJ Edwards
Edwards is entering a crucial season. He was not brought in here by head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. The team can cut him after this year and save about $8.5M in cap space. So this is likely his last year with the team. Both Devin Bush and D’Marco Jackson are signed for longer, and they just added Keyshaun Elliott in the draft. If Edwards looks a step slow after his injury or shows any signs of being pushed, the Bears could bench Edwards.
Tyrique Stevenson
Stevenson is another player with limited ties to Allen and no long-term security in his contract. The team would not hesitate to start rookie Malik Muhammad over him if Stevenson gives them a reason.
He got off to a good start in his rookie season, but his past two years have been much more up and down. If that continues, he will end the year on the bench.
Kyle Monangai
A lot of people thought that Monangai would push D’Andre Swift to make the duo a 50/50 split. However, Swift has looked great in the Ben Johnson offense, and Monangai has been hurt this offseason. The split will likely be similar to last year due to the capped potential of Monangai in all areas. Fans expecting the two to start to switch roles will be disappointed.
Jordan van den Berg
The rookie sixth-round pick hit the ground running when he returned to practice. He also flashed in the preseason. When you add in that the room is not strong with starting potential, fans are going to expect van den Berg to have a serious role early into his rookie year.
However, even with Gervon Dexter out of the picture, he is not going to be in the top three of the rotation. Right now, it is Grady Jarrett, Kentavius Street, and Nevill Gallimore. Until he passes one of them, he will disappoint.
Garrett Bradbury
Bradbury has done nothing but build hype in the preseason. He is great at communicating in the meeting room and at practice. However, he is on his third team in as many years because things change on the field. If he cannot physically hold up, all of the intangibles lose value.
| More Bears on DaWindyCity |
Add us as a preferred source on Google