A new season is coming in Chicago—and inside the Bears locker room, several players are quietly preparing for the year that could change everything.
From rising rookies to veterans fighting for redemption, 2026 could become the breakout year for multiple Bears stars.
10 Chicago Bears Players Who Could Explode With Breakout Seasons in 2026
Breakout seasons don’t always come from the biggest names. Sometimes they arrive quietly—through opportunity, improved health, or a system that finally unlocks a player’s potential.
For the Chicago Bears, the 2026 season could become a defining moment for several players across the roster. Some are young talents on the verge of stardom, while others are veterans with something to prove.
Here are the 10 Bears players most likely to break out in 2026, ranked from intriguing long shots to the player poised for a true superstar leap.
10. Braxton Jones – The Redemption Year
For Braxton Jones, the 2026 season may represent his final opportunity to secure a long-term role in Chicago.
The former fifth-round pick showed flashes of strong play early in his career, including impressive pass-blocking performances before ankle injuries derailed his momentum. At one point in 2024, Jones ranked 17th among NFL tackles in pass protection and 10th in run blocking.
However, injuries and inconsistency led to benching and skepticism.
Now competing with Jedrick Wills and Theo Benedet, Jones must prove he can reclaim the starting left tackle job and protect quarterback Caleb Williams.
9. Tyrique Stevenson – Talent Waiting to Emerge
Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has shown flashes of elite ability but remains one of the most frustratingly inconsistent players on the Bears roster.
The infamous Hail Mary play from last season still lingers in fans’ memories, but Stevenson’s raw talent is undeniable. In a contract year, new defensive backs coach Al Harris could be the key to unlocking his potential.
If Stevenson can finally deliver consistent coverage, he could secure his future in Chicago.
8. Kyle Monangai – A Rookie Ready for More
Seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai quietly produced one of the most promising rookie seasons on the Bears roster.
He finished with 783 rushing yards at 4.6 yards per carry, but his true growth came late in the season. During the final stretch, his workload increased dramatically—and so did his production.
If given a full season with a similar role, Monangai could push for 1,000 rushing yards and become a key part of Chicago’s rushing attack.
7. Gervon Dexter – Dominant Potential
Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter already generates solid pressure inside, but his next step must come in run defense.
In a contract year, Dexter has the chance to prove he can anchor the defensive line consistently. His sack totals and pressure rates already show promise, but developing into a complete defender could elevate him into one of the most valuable pieces of Chicago’s defense.
6. Rome Odunze – Star Power Waiting to Explode
Wide receiver Rome Odunze flashed elite playmaking ability early last season before a broken foot injury slowed his progress.
During the first four games, Odunze averaged five catches and 74 yards per game with five touchdowns.
After that hot start, injuries and inconsistency limited his production. However, his explosive yards-after-catch ability suggests he could easily become one of the Bears’ most dangerous offensive weapons in 2026.
5. Austin Booker – A Rising Pass-Rushing Threat
Defensive end Austin Booker finished last season on fire.
Over his final six games—including the playoffs—he recorded 4.5 sacks, 15 pressures, eight quarterback hits, and 26 tackles.
For a young edge rusher entering his third NFL season, that late surge could signal the beginning of something much bigger.
If Booker builds on that momentum, he could become one of Chicago’s most disruptive defenders.
4. Colston Loveland – The Next Elite Tight End?
Tight end Colston Loveland already had a strong rookie season, finishing with 58 receptions and six touchdowns.
But the most exciting part of his season came late.
Over the final 12 games, Loveland exploded for 790 yards and six touchdowns, becoming a major playmaker in the Bears’ offense.
With offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s system emphasizing tight ends and slot targets, Loveland could take a massive leap in 2026.
3. Luther Burden – The Big-Play Machine
Wide receiver Luther Burden may be the most explosive young receiver on the Bears roster.
Despite missing part of the offseason due to injuries, Burden still finished third in the NFL in yards per route run, an elite metric for wide receiver efficiency.
Now that veteran DJ Moore is no longer dominating targets, Burden could emerge as one of the primary playmakers in Chicago’s offense.
2. Kyler Gordon – The Defensive Wild Card
Slot corner Kyler Gordon may be under the most pressure to deliver.
After receiving a major contract extension, Gordon spent much of last season sidelined due to injuries. In fact, he has missed 23 regular-season games over the past few years.
However, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s aggressive scheme could perfectly suit Gordon’s skill set.
If he stays healthy, Gordon could produce a breakout season filled with interceptions, sacks, forced fumbles, and blitz plays.
1. Caleb Williams – The Superstar Leap
At the top of the list is quarterback Caleb Williams.
Williams already showed remarkable poise during his rookie season, leading comeback victories and producing highlight plays despite completing just 58.1% of his passes.
Now entering his second year in the offense, expectations are skyrocketing.
With improved chemistry, a better understanding of the system, and a talented group of receivers around him, Williams could easily surpass 4,000 passing yards and dramatically increase his touchdown production.
If that happens, the Bears may finally have their franchise quarterback leading a new era of success.
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