Since the Bears last walked off a playing field, much occurred to alter their look.
Free agency, a draft, OTAs, and minicamp all make for a different mix than the one they had after Caleb Williams threw the interception that led to an overtime playoff loss against the Rams at Soldier Field.
Subsequent offseason practices confirm for the team where key veterans are to a far greater degree than they speak about rookies and other acquisitions.
After all, the returning veteran players who might have been injured or figured to battle for starting or roster spots have been in the NFL before and possibly even with the Bears. There is a frame of reference and a team history with them. Rookies provide nothing more than hope and promise. They need to show even more in training camp and preseason merely to make the team, let alone be someone who can be projected into a key role.
Caleb Williams is viewed as a Top 10 QB around the NFL, per @JFowlerESPN: “Caleb Williams is looked at around the league as a Top 10 QB and one of the very best closers in the NFL….the key they’re working on in minicamp, OTAs and Training Camp is getting him to work inside the… pic.twitter.com/FxmueJQPQr— Bearsszn (@bearszn) June 13, 2026The exception, of course, is first-round picks like Dillon Thieneman. He'd better be starting on opening day considering his first-round pedigree and the fact the Bears have no one else capable of being the long-term starting safety alongside Coby Bryant besides him.
