Roster Decisions That Could Define the Chicago Bears' Season

With the 2026 NFL season starting in one week, the Chicago Bears face roster decisions that could shape whether last year’s momentum carries forward. The offseason included a major trade of wide receiver DJ Moore, which the team believes it can replace. More striking, though, was shipping defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. out of town on roster cutdown day, despite the position being viewed as a defensive weakness. The Bears are leaning on Jordan van den Berg and Jayden Loving in the interior, while also relying on familiar edge rushers and expecting Dayo Odeyingbo to drive pass-rush production. The outlook also hinges on rookies like Dillon Thieneman after Coby Bryant’s IR placement.