The Chicago Bears have officially revealed their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season—and Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson made some surprising decisions. But the biggest takeaway might be that Chicago is NOT finished building this roster.
On today’s episode of Chicago Bears Central, Haize breaks down the biggest winners, losers, surprises and potential waiver-wire additions after the Bears finalized their initial 53.
Several young players turned impressive summers into NFL roster spots.
Undrafted rookies Jayden Loving, Hayden Large and Skyler Thomas all survived final cuts, along with defensive lineman Jamree Kromah and veteran defensive tackle Kentavius Street.
But Chicago also made some unusual roster-construction decisions.
🚨 ONLY FOUR LINEBACKERS?!
The Bears enter the initial roster carrying just four linebackers after moving on from Jack Sanborn, Jon Rhattigan, Wayne Matthews III and Antonio Grier, while Ruben Hyppolite II was waived with an injury designation.
That almost screams:
ANOTHER MOVE IS COMING.
And one name jumps off the waiver/free-agent list:
🔥 Tyrel Dodson.
Dodson is just 27 and is coming off a season with 129 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five sacks, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and an interception. Given Chicago’s linebacker numbers and injury concerns, he could make immediate sense for Dennis Allen’s defense.
🎯 FIVE WIDE RECEIVERS — FOUR TIGHT ENDS
Ben Johnson’s offensive philosophy is also becoming clearer.
Chicago kept only:
Rome Odunze
Luther Burden III
Kalif Raymond
Zavion Thomas
Jahdae Walker
at wide receiver.
But they carried four tight ends, with undrafted rookie Hayden Large joining Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet and Sam Roush. Large’s blocking impressed enough that Chicago protected him rather than risk losing him.
That tells us something about how Ben Johnson wants this offense constructed.
Multiple tight ends are not a specialty package. They’re part of the identity.
😳 SALVON AHMED OUT — ROSCHON JOHNSON SURVIVES
One of the most debated decisions involves the running-back room.
Despite an impressive preseason, Salvon Ahmed did not make the initial roster, while Roschon Johnson survived after entering camp as a potential cut candidate.
Was Chicago prioritizing Roschon’s physicality, blocking and special-teams value?
And should Ryan Poles now look at another explosive runner on waivers?
Former Cowboys back Jaydon Blue is one name worth watching.
👀 MALIK MUHAMMAD JUST WON A HUGE OPPORTUNITY
Kyler Gordon will begin the season on reserve/PUP with Noah Sewell and Shemar Turner, meaning Gordon will not be part of Chicago’s early-season secondary.
That could open the door for rookie Malik Muhammad to become Chicago’s starting nickel.
After a strong preseason, Muhammad now has an opportunity to prove he can handle one of the most demanding positions in Dennis Allen’s defense.
💎 UNDRAFTED ROOKIES WON BIG
Jayden Loving. Skyler Thomas. Hayden Large.
Three undrafted players did exactly what every camp long shot dreams of doing:
They forced the Bears to keep them.
Loving beat out more experienced competition at defensive tackle, while Thomas played his way onto the roster with a strong finish to preseason.
But remember:
This is the INITIAL 53.
Coby Bryant and Hayden Large are expected candidates for injured reserve, and Ozzy Trapilo could potentially join them, creating roster openings for waiver claims or free-agent additions.
And there are several intriguing available players Chicago could investigate:
👀 Reddy Steward — CB
⚡ Jaydon Blue — RB
🛡️ Sean Murphy-Bunting — CB
🧱 Colby Wooden — DT
💥 Sam Williams — DE
🔥 Tyrel Dodson — LB
Haize breaks down what the initial roster tells us about Ryan Poles, Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen, where Chicago still needs help, and which available players could make the Bears better immediately.
🎙️ Chicago Bears Central
Hosted by Haize
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