Now that the 2026 NFL Draft is over, there are unlikely to be many major additions to the Chicago Bears roster. Because of that, it is a good time to take a closer look at how the depth chart currently stands at each position. One of the most improved groups on the roster is safety, where the Bears made multiple significant changes this offseason.
Chicago Bears post-draft safety depth chart
Dillon Thieneman
Thieneman is expected to step into a starting role immediately. The Bears entered the offseason needing an upgrade at safety, and many viewed him as one of the top players available when Chicago made the pick. The combination of positional need and overall value made the selection an easy fit for the roster.
The expectation is that Thieneman will handle a strong safety-type role more often, allowing him to play closer to the line of scrimmage and work around the box.
Coby Bryant
Chicago made a major investment in Bryant this offseason, giving him a contract that exceeds what Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard combined to make this offseason. That alone shows how highly the Bears think of Bryant and what they expect him to become in the defense.
The current plan appears to involve Bryant playing more as the free safety, where he can operate deeper in coverage while Thieneman works closer to the line of scrimmage. That pairing gives the Bears more athleticism and range than they had at the position a season ago.
Cam Lewis
The Bears signed Lewis during the offseason to add depth and versatility to the secondary. Throughout his career, he has played multiple spots in the defensive backfield, including snaps in the slot and closer to the box.
Given the current makeup of the roster, Lewis projects as a backup option behind Thieneman while also providing flexibility in sub-packages and depth situations.
Elijah Hicks
Hicks entering a fifth season with the Bears is notable considering he originally entered the league as a seventh-round pick. He has maintained value through special teams contributions while also proving capable of stepping into the lineup when needed.
Hicks likely projects as the primary backup behind Bryant at free safety, although his experience gives the Bears another dependable depth option if injuries occur during the season.
Gervarrius Owens
Owens spent last season on the Bears practice squad after bouncing around the league earlier in his career. He will likely compete for another reserve or practice squad role during training camp.
Skyler Thomas
Thomas enters the league as an undrafted rookie from Oregon State. While the room is not overloaded with depth, he still faces an uphill battle to make the active roster. His most realistic path entering camp appears to be competing for a practice squad spot while developing behind the veterans already in place.
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