Chicago Bears training camp: What to watch in 2026
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Head coach Ben Johnson talks with Caleb Williams in July 2025. Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
The Chicago Bears are beginning training camp with something they haven't had in years: expectations.
The latest: The defending NFC North champion Bears report to Halas Hall on Tuesday. Their first practice is set for Wednesday.
The big picture: Year Two under Ben Johnson and Year Three for Caleb Williams should give the team much-needed consistency between the play callers and the quarterback.
Zoom in: Williams emerged as one of the NFL's brightest young quarterbacks, leading an improbable playoff run while producing highlight-reel plays nearly every week.
Flashback: Last season, Johnson ran an intensely physical camp focused on discipline and mastering his complex offense.
- The offense returns most of its core, including second-year standouts Colston Loveland and Luther Burden, giving Johnson even more confidence than he had entering last season.
- Rookies Zavion Thomas (WR), Sam Roush (TE) and Logan Jones (C) could all compete early for meaningful snaps in Johnson's offense.
Yes, but: The biggest question mark remains the defense. General manager Ryan Poles chose not to overhaul a pass rush that struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks consistently last season.
- Poles did add free agents and rookies that possess one big skill: speed. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's scheme is usually predicated on fast players getting to the ball quickly.
- Additions include Devin Bush (LB), Coby Bryant (S) and rookie Dillon Thieneman (S). Gone are Tremaine Edmunds, Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard and Nahshon Wright.
- Cornerback Kyler Gordon is expected to begin camp on the PUP list and could miss much of camp. Linebacker T.J. Edwards is also unavailable for non-football reasons.
State of play: Last year's regular-season schedule featured several rebuilding teams. This year's slate is considerably tougher, including matchups against both reigning Super Bowl teams.
The bottom line: Expectations are no longer about making the playoffs; they're about proving last season wasn't a one-year breakthrough.
- Training camp is the first step toward showing the Bears belong among the NFC's contenders.