Chicago Bears Face Major Roster Questions Despite Growing Super Bowl Hype

The hype surrounding the Chicago Bears has reached another level heading into the 2026 NFL season. After an impressive turnaround under head coach Ben Johnson and the continued development of quarterback Caleb Williams, many analysts believe Chicago has the talent to compete for a Super Bowl.

But beneath the optimism lie several concerns that could determine whether the Bears become legitimate contenders or simply another talented team that falls short.

Secondary Remains Chicago’s Biggest Concern

While much of the offseason discussion has centered around the Bears’ offense, the defense still has significant holes—particularly at cornerback.

Chicago is expected to open the season with Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson as its starting outside corners. Johnson remains one of the NFL’s better defensive backs when healthy, but injuries have limited his availability throughout his career.

Stevenson, meanwhile, enters a pivotal season after an inconsistent 2025 campaign that included multiple benchings and questions about his long-term role in the defense.

The Bears selected rookie Malik Muhammad in the draft, giving the position some much-needed youth. However, beyond those three players, the depth chart remains extremely thin.

With training camp quickly approaching, many believe Chicago should still be searching for veteran help.

Could Trevon Diggs Be the Missing Piece?

One veteran who continues to generate speculation is former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs.

Diggs was once considered one of football’s premier playmakers after earning consecutive Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2022 while receiving First-Team All-Pro honors.

Unfortunately, injuries have dramatically altered his career trajectory.

Over the last three seasons, Diggs appeared in just 22 games before eventually leaving Dallas. He later spent time with the Green Bay Packers, recording 27 tackles while earning a respectable 65.9 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus across nine games.

Although he is no longer the elite ball hawk he once was, Diggs is still only 27 years old and could provide valuable experience for a Bears secondary desperately needing additional depth.

A short-term, incentive-based contract could represent a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for both sides.

For Chicago, adding another experienced cornerback could strengthen the defense while creating healthy competition throughout training camp.

Zayvian Thomas Emerging as an Offensive Weapon

While questions remain on defense, one of the biggest surprises of the offseason has been rookie wide receiver Zayvian Thomas.

The young receiver has reportedly impressed coaches throughout OTAs and minicamp with his speed, route running, and ability to create plays after the catch.

Head coach Ben Johnson has publicly praised Thomas, emphasizing that once he fully masters the offensive system, he could become an important weapon in Chicago’s offense.

Thomas’ versatility may ultimately separate him from other rookie receivers.

Instead of serving only as a deep threat for quarterback Caleb Williams, Thomas has shown the quickness necessary to thrive on screens, jet sweeps, and short designed passes.

That role could become especially important under Johnson’s offensive philosophy.

Fixing One of Chicago’s Biggest Offensive Weaknesses

One area where the Bears struggled last season was generating production on passes thrown at or behind the line of scrimmage.

By comparison, Johnson’s offense with the Detroit Lions ranked among the league’s best in creating explosive plays through short passing concepts.

Chicago hopes Thomas can help change that.

His acceleration and ability to make defenders miss in open space make him an ideal candidate for quick screens and designed touches that allow playmakers to create yards after the catch.

For Caleb Williams, that development could also improve his efficiency.

The young quarterback struggled on short throws last season, completing just over 54 percent of such passes—one of the lowest marks among qualifying NFL quarterbacks.

If Thomas continues progressing throughout training camp, he could become an important piece in helping elevate the Bears’ passing attack.

Bears Resume Stadium Talks in Illinois

Off the field, another major storyline continues to develop.

The Bears have reportedly resumed discussions with Illinois lawmakers regarding plans for a new stadium, signaling renewed interest in developing the Arlington Heights property.

The latest proposal would require the franchise to invest approximately $2.5 billion toward stadium construction while also contributing roughly $1.2 billion toward surrounding infrastructure improvements.

The proposal includes third-party financial oversight designed to protect taxpayers.

Although discussions remain in the early stages, the renewed negotiations suggest Illinois has once again become a serious option after months of speculation surrounding a potential move to Indiana.

Governor J.B. Pritzker has indicated he would be willing to revisit negotiations should both sides reach common ground.

Meanwhile, resistance has grown in Indiana, where local opposition to proposed tax increases has complicated efforts to finance a new stadium project.

Critical Weeks Ahead

As training camp approaches, the Bears face several important decisions.

Whether it’s strengthening the secondary with another veteran, continuing the development of promising rookie Zayvian Thomas, or finalizing long-term stadium plans, Chicago enters one of the most significant offseasons in recent franchise history.

The talent to compete for a championship certainly exists.

Now the organization must address its remaining weaknesses before the regular season begins.

If the Bears make the right moves over the coming weeks, the excitement surrounding the franchise may prove to be more than offseason hype—it could be the foundation of a legitimate Super Bowl run in 2026.