The Chicago Bears roster has undergone plenty of changes this offseason, where general manager Ryan Poles has added some impact players at some key positions of need.
As the Bears prepare for training camp, it’s clear there are few roster locks at this point of the summer. Which means there will be plenty of roster battles to watch during camp and the preseason.
We examined each position group on the Bears’ roster to predict if they project to be better or worse, or if we can expect more of the same in 2023.
Quarterback
Key returners
- Justin Fields
Key additions
- P.J. Walker
- Tyson Bagent
Key losses
- Trevor Siemian
The Bears made improvements at backup quarterback replacing Trevor Siemian with P.J. Walker, a quarterback who has a similar skillset to Justin Fields.
The verdict: Upgrade
Running back
Key returners
- Khalil Herbert
- Khari Blasingame
Key additions
- D’Onta Foreman
- Roschon Johnson
- Travis Homer
Key losses
- David Montgomery
Chicago lost David Montgomery to free agency, but they added some solid options in D’Onta Foreman, rookie Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer to pair with Khalil Herbert.
The verdict: Upgrade
Wide receiver
Key returners
- Darnell Mooney
- Chase Claypool
- Equanimeous St. Brown
- Velus Jones Jr.
- Dante Pettis
Key additions
- DJ Moore
- Tyler Scott
Key losses
- Byron Pringle
- N’Keal Harry
The Bears might just have the best receiving corp they’ve had in years with DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool. They also added Tyler Scott in the NFL draft.
The verdict: Upgrade
Tight end
Key returners
- Cole Kmet
Key additions
- Robert Tonyan
- Stephen Carlson
Key losses
- Ryan Griffin
- Trevon Wesco
Cole Kmet is coming off a breakout year, and Chicago upgraded at backup tight end with Robert Tonyan, who will be a solid receiving option for Fields.
The verdict: Upgrade
Offensive line
Key returners
- Cody Whitehair
- Teven Jenkins
- Braxton Jones
- Lucas Patrick
Key additions
- Nate Davis
- Darnell Wright
Key losses
- Riley Reiff
- Michael Schofield
Chicago made some big improvements to the offensive line with the additions of Nate Davis and rookie Darnell Wright, where protecting Fields is of utmost importance.
The verdict: Upgrade
Edge rusher
Key returners
- Trevis Gipson
- Dominique Robinson
Key additions
- DeMarcus Walker
- Rasheem Green
Key losses
- Al-Quadin Muhammad
The Bears still lack a star at edge rusher, but they definitely upgraded with the free-agent additions of DeMarcus Walker and Rasheem Green to pair with Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson. Another veteran could be added to the roster during training camp.
The verdict: Upgrade
Defensive tackle
Key returners
- Justin Jones
Key additions
- Andrew Billings
- Gervon Dexter
- Zacch Pickens
Key losses
- Armon Watts
- Mike Pennel
Chicago upgraded the defensive interior in a big way with the additions of Andrew Billings and rookies Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens to pair with Justin Jones.
The verdict: Upgrade
Linebacker
Key returners
- Jack Sanborn
Key additions
- Tremaine Edmunds
- T.J. Edwards
- Noah Sewell
Key losses
- Nicholas Morrow
Linebacker has now become the strength of this Bears roster with the free-agent additions of Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell and Dylan Cole will battle for the SAM spot.
The verdict: Upgrade
Cornerback
Key returners
- Jaylon Johnson
- Kyler Gordon
Key additions
- Tyrique Stevenson
- Terell Smith
Key losses
- N/A
Chicago improved at cornerback behind Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon with rookie Tyrique Stevenson, who’s an upgrade over Kindle Vildor. The Bears also added rookie Terell Smith in the draft.
The verdict: Upgrade
Safety
Key returners
- Eddie Jackson
- Jaquan Brisker
- Elijah Hicks
Key additions
- Kendall Williamson
Key losses
- DeAndre Houston-Carson
While Eddie Jackson and Jaquan Brisker return as starters, the loss of DeAndre Houston-Carson looms large. An inexperienced Elijah Hicks figures to fill that role. The Bears also added rookie Kendall Williamson in the seventh round of the draft.
The verdict: Downgrade
Special teams
Key returners
- Cairo Santos
- Trenton Gill
- Patrick Scales
Key additions
- Andre Szmyt
Key losses
- N/A
Chicago has two potential starters at kicker on the roster in Cairo Santos and undrafted rookie Andre Szmyt, which will make for an interesting camp battle this summer.
The verdict: Upgrade
