Jordan McFadden may not be the first name that jumps out on the Bears’ roster, but he’s the kind of player who can quietly turn into a phone call other teams make.
Chicago has built a roster with plenty of young talent, and that depth can cut both ways. The Bears have enough pieces to help themselves, but they also have players who could draw attention around the league if they keep developing. McFadden fits that mold.
A fifth-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023, McFadden started just one game in two seasons there before Chicago brought him in last year as a depth option. In 2025, he appeared in seven games and played 27 total snaps, with all but two of them coming on special teams.
His biggest moment came in the NFC Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams, when he was pressed into a start at left guard. With Ozzy Trapilo injured, All-Pro Joe Thuney slid to left tackle, and McFadden stepped in at the last second. Even in a loss, he drew plenty of praise for holding up well in that spot.
That kind of versatility matters, especially for an offensive lineman. Reliable depth is hard to find, injuries hit every year, and a player who can step in and handle either backup duty or a starting role can become valuable fast.
Heading into 2026, McFadden looks like a clear backup and a strong bet to make the 53-man roster. But training camp could still matter a lot for him. If he plays well, he won’t just strengthen his case in Chicago - he could also make himself a name worth monitoring for the other 31 teams.
And if that happens, the Bears could have another asset on their hands. Even a Day 3 pick would matter to Ryan Poles, especially with the reminder that the 2025 seventh-round pick, running back Kyle Monangai, became a key player for this team.
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