The Chicago Bears will exit the 2026 offseason in an interesting position, having just established itself as a clear NFC contender and following this up by parting ways with a number of accomplished veterans. While there is still every reason for confidence in Ben Johnson's unit there is no denying the level of change the team is facing that has put a number of questionable pieces into what will be important positions.
With this in mind, let's look at four Chicago players the team is clearly giving another chance despite earlier doubts. Players who, at their best, would push the Bears from a clear NFC contender to Super Bowl favorites. Starting with a pass catcher coming off a down season, but remains an important piece of Chicago's plans.
1. Cole Kmet
Kmet is coming off a down season by the veteran's standards, offering only 347 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. However, despite the down year and the presence of Colston Loveland, the Bears have continued to double down in their belief in Kmet's ability to play a more important role within the Chicago offense. This has been set up with the offseason departures of DJ Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus.
This frees up a considerable number of targets, and Chicago is yet to add any obvious replacements. While Colston Loveland might still be the team's future at the position, the Bears clearly believe Kmet is capable of returning to a more consistent level of production and giving the franchise the best tight end duo in the league.
2. Braxton Jones
The tackle is unquestionably the most important name on this list when you consider what it would mean for Caleb Williams to have stability at left tackle. Injuries derailed a once-promising career and left the performance of Jones as a clear liability, pushing the veteran to the bench. However, the Bears opted to bring the lineman back in hopes of turning back the clock to what once was.
If the franchise can get this version of Jones back into the starting lineup all of a sudden, an area of clear concern becomes a strength. The former starter was productive as recently as the 2024 season and is still only 27, leaving every reason to believe that a full offseason to get healthy could be the needed reset and give the Bears a chance to find stability from the position once again.
3. Grady Jarrett
Chicago's frustration with the interior defender hasn't been a secret after the 2025 season. The lineman was supposed to be a consistent disruptor on the inside, and instead became a source of defensive frustration and consistent injury concerns. Jarrett's best seasons with the Atlanta Falcons saw the pass rusher do so many things that didn't show up in the box score and be a clear tone setter, no matter the defensive talent around him.
Much like Jones, the hope here is that a full offseason to get healthy allows the veteran to return to form. Chicago is stuck with Jarrett due to a contract that doesn't offer an out until the 2027 offseason. This leaves the fanbase simply hoping that a better version of the defender shows up in the 2026 season and perhaps finds a path back to being a reliable inside presence.
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