Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson joined their peers in speaking with the media ahead of the 2026 scouting combine, and there was plenty to dissect in what both had to say.
Poles was quite clear on several significant roster decisions, and more ambiguous on others, including the futures of players like running back D’Andre Swift and wide receiver DJ Moore.
Johnson made it clear his mindset is not changing, and what he expects from Caleb Williams.
Bears Brass Set Clear Tone for Offseason at 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
Bears Roster Heading for Changes
It did not need to be said, considering the Bears enter the offseason close to the salary cap limit, but Poles acknowledged that they do not want to be in a position where they are not flexible because they have kicked the can down the road on player contracts.
That means they are not exactly eager to do a bunch of restructures, which is a seemingly ominous remark for Moore and Swift, to higher-priced veterans whose future was in question.
However, Poles specifically mentioned Moore when expressing confidence in retaining players.
Poles did acknowledge that this is the time of year when they have to be open to anything, though. Swift fell under that header along with tight end Cole Kmet, too, though. Poles also noted that the Bears have received trade calls about several players. One of those players is backup quarterback Tyson Bagent.
These are decisions and situations the Bears have not been in, faced with cutting ties with productive and valued members of the team out of necessity, coming off a winning season.
That puts even more emphasis on hitting on their draft picks.
The Bears face several decisions in their secondary and need more speed. Poles also noted they are further back in the draft than they have been in recent cycles, and how Williams figures to impact their roster building if he continues on his current trajectory, as they suspect he will.
Poles, who noted that this year’s draft is deeper on the edge than the interior–which fits what the Bears need–also noted Johnson’s plan for Williams.
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Johnson and Poles both noted the coach’s increased involvement with roster decisions this offseason and that there will be changes. Still, Williams remains their greatest project. Johnson was full of praise as he made the media rounds on the day.
However, the coach was also crystal clear that there is another level that Williams can reach.
It starts with his accuracy, which was an issue heading into last season, but showed improvement in key ways throughout the campaign. Johnson said they sent Williams into the offseason with a list (he gave “40” as an example) of throws to work on.
Johnson noted they are completions that the QB is fully capable of making and would help take his completion percentage closer to that targeted 70% mark.
He also set a more realistic goal of 65% for this coming season.
Williams was among the least accurate passers last season, but the tape shows plenty of makeable missed and overlooked opportunities, while he would also benefit from fewer drops and having draft mate Rome Odunze healthy for a full season.
The Bears have to sort out left tackle due to Ozzy Trapilo’s ruptured patellar tendon, which complicates matters.
However, the Bears are full-steam ahead coming off their best season in years.
