Bears Nation

Chicago's defense will look very different in 2026.

The Chicago Bears won the NFC North, finished 11-6, and reached the Divisional Round of the playoffs in 2025, but several of the team's defensive stat leaders have since moved on.

2025 Bears defensive leaders:

• INTs — Kevin Byard (7) (1st in NFL)
• PDs — Nahshon Wright (11)
• FF — Montez Sweat (3)
• FR — Nahshon Wright (3)
• Sacks — Montez Sweat (10)
• Total tackles — Tremaine Edmunds (112)
• TFL — Montez Sweat (13)
• QB hits — Montez Sweat (18)

Kevin Byard, Nahshon Wright, and Tremaine Edmunds all finished atop at least one major defensive category before departing in free agency.

Montez Sweat is the only player from this group who remains on Chicago's roster entering 2026.

As several of last year's defensive leaders move on, the Bears will be counting on him to help lead the next version of this defense.

Big if true! 👀

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Even through an injury-affected season, Tyrique Stevenson continued to show flashes of why the Bears believe in his long-term potential.

The third-year cornerback remained a valuable contributor for a Chicago team that won the NFC North and advanced to the Divisional Round.

The numbers reflected his impact:

🧡 1 interception
💙 10 passes defended (2nd on team)
🧡 2 forced fumbles
💙 2 fumble recoveries
🧡 49 tackles (36 solo)
💙 1 tackle for loss

Stevenson appeared in 13 games and started 10 of them while continuing to make plays on the football when available.

A healthier season could unlock even more production in 2026 as Chicago looks to build on its success from the year before.

🧡💙 💪 🐻

Caleb Williams might be in for a monster year!

Why NFL insider expects 'another exponential jump' from Caleb Williams An NFL insider explains why she believes Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears offense are in for a huge 2026-27 season.

Ben Johnson is all-in on Luther Burden III heading into Year 2.

The Bears head coach said he’s “buying Burden stock” after an explosive offseason, praising his speed, route development, and chemistry with Caleb Williams.

Burden quietly finished his rookie season with:
• 47 receptions
• 652 yards
• 2 TDs

But the advanced numbers were even better.

He ranked near the top of the NFL in yards per route run and was one of the league’s best WRs after the catch.

Now with DJ Moore gone, Burden could be ready for a massive jump in 2026.

Per PFF, Joe Thuney has played 6,768 career pass-blocking snaps and allowed only 16 sacks.

One of the most reliable offensive linemen of his era now brings elite protection and championship experience to Chicago.

Thuney’s consistency, intelligence, and technique have made him one of the NFL’s gold standards in pass protection for years.

Colston Loveland has a REAL chance to become First-Team All-Pro in 2026 ⭐️

The Chicago Bears offense completely transformed last season under Ben Johnson and a huge reason for that explosion was Loveland.

By the end of the season, the rookie tight end looked nearly impossible to defend. His combination of size, route running, body control, and ability after the catch quickly turned him into one of the focal points of Chicago’s offense.

Chicago’s offense is now loaded with young talent, but many of those weapons are still proving themselves. Loveland, meanwhile, already looks like the most reliable mismatch on the roster.

Expect the Bears to continue funneling targets his way as the centerpiece of Ben Johnson’s passing attack 🔥

Walter Payton literally had a 103-degree fever before kickoff.

He flat out refused to miss a brutal divisional matchup.

Our iconic number 34 tore through the Minnesota defense all afternoon.

He constantly punished defenders to move the chains. 🐻

His unbelievable grit completely rescued our sluggish offense.

He gave the squad a massive boost to secure a gritty win.

Sweetness smashed the single-game league record with 275 yards on forty carries.

This timeless display will forever define the heart of Chicago football. 👑

Don’t get us too excited now, Ben Johnson 👀🔥 Is a Luther Burden breakout coming 👀

Should Bears turn to free agency?

Bears urged to consider 2 former Pro Bowlers to fill pass rush void As the Bears continue figuring out their 2026 pass rush, one analysts thinks they should take a look at two current free agents.