The Chicago Bears released their first depth chart of the 2026 regular season. Given the shifting and competition across the roster, it was an interesting depth chart to look at. One of the most notable spots was the secondary.
Chicago Bears reveal hand in secondary with depth chart
The team has been flirting with a few different ways to handle the secondary. On paper, the team will have Cam Lewis in the slot and Xavier Woods at safety. However, both Brad Briggs of the Chicago Tribune and Courtney Cronin of ESPN made it clear that just because this is what the team listed, it might not be their plans.
"FWIW, depth chart from the Week 1 release lists Xavier Woods as a starting safety and has Cam Lewis listed as the top nickel back. Accurate? We'll see. Chance there is a time share at positions? We'll see," tweeted Briggs.
Cronin added on with a very similar message:
Here is the Bears unofficial depth chart for Week 1 at Carolina.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 8, 2026
This was compiled by Bears PR and has Cam Lewis listed as the Bears top nickel corner and Xavier Woods as Chicago's starting safety opposite Dillon Thieneman. Worth keeping an eye on after seeing Malik Muhammad as… pic.twitter.com/ReBUGEZve7
It could just be a coincidence, but it is pretty funny timing that two of the Bears' best insider reporters tweeted that the Bears could have a rotation in the nickel shortly after each other. Based on their context, it looks like Lewis has a chance to start in the slot, but could end up shifting to safety, which he has done in practice.
If that is the case, it would be rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad who jumps into the nickel rotation.
There are a lot of shifting pieces. Chicago originally planned for Kyler Gordon to man the slot and Coby Bryant to play safety. Both will miss the majority of the season.
Lewis was signed as a depth safety, but has shifted to the slot. Woods was signed after the injuries. Muhammad is a rookie, and he played outside during his college career. So, the slot would not only be a big change due to the competition; it would be a role he does not know.
The Bears do not have a great answer yet, which is why both Briggs and Cronin project a split in playing time. The question is how many weeks the rotation continues before they make a decision.
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