Which Bears Players Have the Most to Prove in 2026?

The Chicago Bears made notable progress in 2025, setting even higher expectations for 2026. With rising playoff hopes and increased pressure, several players must prove themselves. Some face questions about living up to draft status, durability, or the justification for investment. Rome Odunze must step up as the number one target and live up to the hype. Dayo Odeyingbo needs a consistent impact on the pass rush. Meanwhile, Kyler Gordon has to show he can stay healthy. All three are important to sustaining success, but each faces a unique pressure heading into the season.

Rome Odunze

Odunze has had an up-and-down career since joining the league in 2024. He had a total of 98 catches, 1,395 yards, and nine touchdowns. Last season, the former first-round pick had gotten off to a strong start, but struggled with injuries and drops. Given the high investment and his connection with Caleb Williams, the hope was that he would eventually take over as the team's top receiver. However, it needs to happen sooner than expected, given that the team traded away D.J. Moore.

It was not a major surprise to see the veteran traded, but it still hurts the offense. Odunze is expected to get the majority of the targets due to his strength and speed, but he will need to prove that he can fill the role. Right now, there is a large debate around whether they have enough at receiver to have a strong season. This arguably leaves the 23-year-old with the most pressure of anyone on the offense. If he lives up to the hype, the offense may improve. A successful season would likely see him go over 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. However, if he can’t, then it would be hard to see the team performing as well as last year.

Dayo Odeyingbo

Odeyingbo was one of the team's largest signings last year, and it had split reactions from fans. He has talent, but was not a consistent threat with the Colts. This past season was full of poor performances, and he ended it due to injuries. The 26-year-old played only eight games. Now, he has the chance to rebound after spending time rehabbing and continuing to learn the system.

As it has been for many years now, the edge position has been one of the most important storylines to follow. The position battle can shape the team's season, as the lack of a pass rush held them back in 2025. Last season, the defense was one of the worst in the league. They struggled in nearly every aspect of the game. The pass rush was non-existent, and the secondary allowed big plays every game. If Odeyingbo solidifies the defensive line, then it will help mask some of those issues. He does not need to have an elite year, but as long as he hits eight sacks, which is his career high, then the Bears would likely consider it a win. However, if he does not play well, then Chicago is set to struggle again. Not only does this hurt the team, but it would also likely lead to the 26-year-old playing his last season with the team.

Kyler Gordon

Gordon may have the toughest battle of the three. He is not struggling to keep up consistent play, but rather to stay on the field. Last season, he only appeared in three games. In four seasons, he has played in 45 total games. He was set to enter the offseason healthy, but it is now being reported that he has a soft-tissue injury. At this point, given his track record, it is hard to say he can actually play a full season. It has become extremely difficult to say that the 26-year-old can be relied on going forward.

If he can stay on the field, then his talent is clear. In his career, Gordon has five interceptions and five fumble recoveries. Unfortunately, one of the best talents to have is reliability, and that is where he struggles. The team has focused on getting faster and more athletic in the secondary. While the former second-round pick fits that model, the injuries are holding him back. If he misses a majority of the season, then it would not be a surprise to see Chicago go a different direction. However, if he can stay on the field, the secondary is set to look a lot stronger.

The Bears have built a roster capable of competing, but their success in 2026 depends on whether these three players meet expectations. Odunze must prove he can handle the pressure of being the offense’s top target, while Odeyingbo needs to show he can finally become a consistent force on the defensive line. Gordon’s biggest challenge will simply be staying healthy enough to make an impact over a full season. If all three take the next step, Chicago could once again emerge as one of the more dangerous teams in the NFC. However, if they fall short, the Bears may face many of the same problems that held them back in previous years.