Training camp is finally here for the Chicago Bears. The team reports on Wednesday after an 11-6 season and a first NFC North title in seven years. Expectations are sky high for this squad. But the roster projection from Windy City Gridiron suggests some risky moves in the backfield and tight end rooms.
Quarterback Stability and Running Back Risk
The quarterback room is locked in with Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, and Case Keenum. Contracts handed out to Bagent and Keenum make this group set in stone barring injury. The real focus shifts to Williams taking a big leap in Year 3. Windy City Gridiron notes the only question is if they keep a fourth quarterback on the practice squad, with Miller Moss as the likely choice.
Year 3 for Williams.
It’s the make-or-break season where the ceiling gets defined or the floor becomes a trap for a franchise that waited decades for this moment. If he stagnates, the entire offensive philosophy built around his mobility collapses. That’s the pressure cooker he’s walking into.
The running back situation is where the real drama lies. D’Andre Swift and Kyle Munangai hold the top spots. But the third spot is a total mystery. Some fans view Roschon Johnson as the favorite for the RB3 role. However, his injury history makes that a dangerous call. The projection suggests the final spot comes down to Salvon Ahmed or Brittain Brown if the team keeps three backs. This feels like a gamble on health over experience.
Tight End Depth and Receiver Questions
Head coach Ben Johnson has put a strong emphasis on reworking the tight end room. The roster projects Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, and Sam Roush as the main trio. The team also signed undrafted free agent Hayden Large to challenge for a spot. If the Bears keep four tight ends, veterans Stephen Carlson and Nikola Kalinic will fight for the final roster spot. Worst case, fans should expect a pair of tight ends on the practice squad.
Can Johnson get enough from his tight ends to open the middle?
Johnson’s scheme demands versatility in that group, and losing a slot to a veteran like Carlson or Kalinic could limit the package looks they want to run (especially with a new coordinator coming in). The depth chart looks stacked, but can the practice squad talent actually translate to game-day execution when the blitzes come? That’s the X-factor nobody can predict until the pads go on.
The wide receiver corps lacks DJ Moore but still has depth. Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Kalif Raymond are projected to make the team. Jahdae Walker and Zavion Thomas round out the five-man group. Windy City Gridiron asks a simple question: No DJ Moore, no problem? The Bears hope the answer is yes. They assume all goes well and the unit performs without their star.
No DJ Moore.
That’s the elephant in the room that changes the entire trajectory of the passing attack for the upcoming season. Without his elite separation and YAC ability, the quarterback has to be perfect on timing, and the remaining receivers need to step up immediately to fill the void. If they don’t, the offense stalls.
The Final Cut Challenge
The foundation of a team is established over the next month and a half. Super Bowls can’t be won in training camp, but the roster decisions matter now. The Bears have clear gaps that coaching must fix. The pressure is on to develop the young players quickly. Fans should watch how the coaches handle the injury history at running back. A bad choice there could hurt the offense all season. This roster looks solid on paper but thin in the trenches.
Do you trust Brittain Brown over Roschon Johnson for the final spot? Let us know your take on the roster cuts.
