The Chicago Bears are heading into a pivotal offseason, but unlike years past, they’re not starting from scratch. Most of the core is under contract, and the foundation is in place. That said, the roster isn’t immune to turnover-especially when it comes to depth pieces, underperforming veterans, and players whose fit with the team no longer makes sense.
Let’s break down nine Bears players who are likely to be wearing new uniforms in 2026-and why their time in Chicago is probably coming to an end.
1. Olamide Zaccheaus - WR
Zaccheaus arrived in Chicago with some momentum after a solid 2024 season in Washington-506 yards and three touchdowns suggested he could carve out a meaningful role. But that never materialized. He finished the year with just 313 yards and faded into the background of an offense that increasingly leaned on DJ Moore, rookie standout Rome Odunze, and the electric Luther Burden III.
With all three top receivers locked in for 2026, Zaccheaus-now a pending free agent-doesn’t fit the team’s future. Even if the Bears were interested in keeping him around, it would be strictly as a depth piece on a low-cost deal.
But Zaccheaus should be looking for a fresh start elsewhere, ideally somewhere he can compete for a larger share of targets. This one feels like a mutual parting of ways.
2. Case Keenum - QB
Keenum was never brought in to compete-he was there to mentor. The veteran was coaxed out of what was expected to be retirement by head coach Ben Johnson, who valued his experience in a room led by rookie Caleb Williams and backed up by Tyson Bagent.
Now, the writing is on the wall. Whether Keenum officially retires or transitions into a coaching role (possibly with Johnson’s staff), it’s clear his playing days in Chicago-and likely the NFL-are over.
Even if he wanted to keep playing, the Bears have their QB depth chart set with Williams and Bagent under contract. It’s time for the next chapter.
3. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka - EDGE
Tryon-Shoyinka was a midseason flyer-Chicago sent a sixth-round pick to take a chance on the former first-rounder, hoping a change of scenery might unlock some untapped potential. It didn’t. He failed to record a single sack in his stint with the Bears and never looked like part of the long-term solution.
With free agency looming, there’s no compelling reason to bring him back. The Bears have cap space to spend and should be targeting a proven edge rusher who can deliver in high-leverage moments. Tryon-Shoyinka, even as a rotational piece, just doesn’t move the needle.
4. Travis Homer - RB/ST
Homer has carved out a niche as a special teams contributor, but that’s about where his role ends. In 2025, he logged just six offensive snaps-an indicator of how deep and talented the Bears’ backfield has become.
At this point, Homer would be better served finding a team with less backfield stability, where he might have a clearer path to offensive reps. While he’s a reliable special teamer, the Bears can likely replace that production with a younger, cheaper option.
5. Devin Duvernay - WR/Returner
Duvernay still brings value as a return specialist, but that might not be enough to justify his price tag in free agency. He played just 41 offensive snaps in 2025, and with Zaccheaus also on the way out, the Bears are clearly reshuffling the bottom of their receiver depth chart.
Rather than overpaying for a returner, Chicago could look to the draft or undrafted free agency for a younger, developmental player who can contribute on special teams and potentially grow into a depth role on offense. Duvernay, meanwhile, will likely find a new home-possibly one that leans more heavily on his return skills.
6. Nick McCloud - CB
McCloud’s 2025 season was a tough watch. His snap count steadily declined as the year progressed, and his struggles in coverage were hard to ignore. When a cornerback loses the trust of the coaching staff, the writing is usually on the wall.
With better-performing options already under contract for 2026, McCloud’s time in Chicago is almost certainly over. He may get another shot elsewhere, but it won’t be with the Bears, who are looking to tighten things up in the secondary.
7. C.J. Gardner-Johnson - S
Gardner-Johnson is a polarizing figure-talented, but not without baggage. Both the Eagles and Texans moved on from him under murky circumstances, and now the Bears are in a similar spot. Add in the fact that Chicago is trying to retain both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, and it’s clear there’s no room-financially or culturally-for Gardner-Johnson in 2026.
He’ll be searching for his third team in as many seasons, while the Bears focus their resources on keeping their more consistent and reliable starters in the secondary.
8. Durham Smythe - TE
Smythe saw steady playing time in 2025, but he’s firmly behind Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland on the depth chart. Unless the Bears are planning to move one of those two-which they aren’t-there’s not much upside in bringing Smythe back.
He’s better off landing with a team where he can be the clear TE2, rather than fighting for scraps behind two ascending players. For Chicago, Smythe is a luxury piece, and this offseason is about prioritizing needs.
9. Jonathan Owens - S
Owens turns 30 this offseason and plays a position where the Bears are already facing tough decisions. With Gardner-Johnson, Byard, and Brisker all hitting free agency, Chicago has to be selective about where it allocates its cap space.
Owens has been a reliable depth piece and special teams contributor, but he’s not likely to return given the financial and roster crunch. He’ll be looking for a new opportunity-ideally one where he can compete for a bigger role.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a teardown-it’s a tune-up. The Bears are in a much stronger position than they’ve been in recent offseasons, with a franchise quarterback in place and a young core taking shape. But part of building a contender is knowing when to move on from players who no longer fit the plan.
These nine names represent necessary departures-not because they’re bad players, but because the Bears are evolving. And if Chicago plays its cards right this offseason, the roster that takes the field in 2026 could be the most complete we’ve seen in years.