As the Chicago Bears close in on 2026 training camp, attention is starting to shift to upcoming positional battles. The Bears have a surprising number of starting roles up for grabs despite a strong offseason. This speaks to the depth Ben Johnson has helped bring in and a spirit of competition that makes sure every starting and contributing role is earned, no matter what your resume might say.
With this in mind, let's look ahead to the battles expected to provide the most entertainment in training camp and bridging into the preseason. Starting with offensive weapons that will serve a huge role for Johnson and Caleb Williams.
1. Third Wide Receiver
If things go as expected, this is going to be Kalif Raymond vs. Zavion Thomas, with the loser serving as the fourth option at the position. With that said, both Jahdae Walker and Scotty Miller both have an outside shot at forcing their way into the conversation. With DJ Moore now in Buffalo, the Bears have every reason to go into training camp with an open mind. While it would be a surprise to see either of these two players become starting options, stranger things have happened.
Regardless of who proves to be the final answer, the third receiver position has a chance to be the most entertaining and impactful offensive decision. The only argument against this is our next battle, which has been one of the defining storylines of the Chicago 2026 offseason.
2. Logan Jones vs. Garrett Bradbury
Garrett Bradbury is fresh off a Super Bowl starting and helping Drake Maye take a year two leap with the New England Patriots. The expectation was that Bradbury would step into the center position and provide the same level of stability for Caleb Williams. However, the Bears simply couldn't resist the value of Jones and drafted a player they believe could solidify the position for years to come, offering a reliable answer for what appears to be a wide-open window of contention.
It isn't a question of whether or not Jones is going to take over as the starter, but simply how long Bradbury can hold off the rookie. Any decision appears to be on the table in a battle that wasn't expected going into the draft or even heading into rookie minicamp. However, the possible impact of Jones and his early start has been undeniable.
3. Left Tackle
Even with Caleb Williams' ability to escape and buy time, fans would love to see a higher level of stability from the quarterback's blindside. It appears that Braxton Jones is the early favorite, with Jedrick Willis Jr. and Ozzy Trapilo as clear challengers. Chicago is going into training camp with an open mind when it comes to the offensive line and understanding that outside of Joe Thuney, no position is truly untouchable.
This is the right approach and should give whoever wins the left tackle job a needed level of proven confidence. Fans will be looking for any reason to buy into the current options, with Jones remaining the most likely to provide a long-term answer.
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