When it comes to Chicago Bears undrafted free agent signings that have a legitimate chance to make the team's roster, rookie guard Caden Barnett has to be near the top of the list. Head coach Ben Johnson added to this opinion via The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain, "He plays the way we want to play it. So there’s a physical demeanor about him." This is a ringing endorsement of a player who has a very real path to making Chicago's final roster.
One of the obvious questions facing the Bears heading into the 2026 season is a lack of offensive line depth. Johnson already having such praise for Barnett points to the fact that there is a real chance the season begins with the young guard on Chicago's active roster.
Barnett was one of the most sought-after undrafted free agents in this year's class, pointing to the obvious upside even if there were enough concerns to prevent a draft selection. Luke Newman and Kyle Hergel would be the current favorites to be Chicago's depth in the middle of the offensive line. Neither player is accomplished and could be surpassed with a strong camp and preseason from Barnett.
Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson Points Out Obvious Upside of Rookie Guard
The Bears greatly value physicality in the trenches, appearing to view the rest as coaching problems to solve. On either side of the ball, if you show ferocity and a high motor, the Bears are going to give you a clearer path to making the roster than more polished backups who don't offer these traits at the same level.
Barnett spent last season with the Wyoming Cowboys and showed a level of consistency in the run game, but struggled at times in pass protection with quicker pass rushers. Those who have a secondary move and are able to catch Barnett before he gets into his stance have a good chance of getting into the backfield.
Still, the clear athleticism and willingness to embrace the physicality of the position make it clear why Johnson is so high on the lineman. It is hard not to see the guard making it deep into the preseason and fighting for one of the team's final roster spots. The potential is clear enough that the Bears will want to fully evaluate the blocker and see if there is a viable development project.
Johnson's words make it clear that this is his mindset as well, and the franchise will be working to see if there could be a future as reliable depth. For Barnett, even if the Bears aren't willing to offer an instant roster spot, it seems probable that the team will prioritize a practice squad role at the very least if Barnett is able to live up to expectations.
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