Talent alone doesn’t earn playing time in the NFL. A lot of it is about timing and opportunities. The Chicago Bears look like they’re about to have one of the more competitive training camps in years. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have assembled a compelling roster with solid players at every position. It creates a scenario where every practice is meaningful. Just one could determine which direction the starting lineup tilts in the next month. While doing well the entire time is crucial, sometimes how you start a camp will make or break your chances. Here are some names that can’t afford to come out of the gates slow.
Few Chicago Bears need strong camp starts more than these guys.
Tyson Bagent (QB)
Nobody can argue Bagent was a rock-solid backup for the Bears over the past two seasons. He put in all the work they asked of him, was a great teammate, and even won a couple of games for them. However, the one thing he couldn’t offer was experience. That is why the team brought in Case Keenum. The longtime veteran has seen everything the league has to offer, and can provide advice to Caleb Williams that Bagent simply can’t. This is why the third-year quarterback must come out swinging in the first week of practices. If the coaches sense Keenum is above him, his roster spot is in jeopardy.
Kiran Amegadjie (OT)
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It’s hard not to feel bad for Amegadjie. He was drafted in the 3rd round to back up and eventually compete with Braxton Jones. Now that the Chicago Bears’ starter is recovering from a broken leg, it should’ve been Amegadjie’s time to shine. Instead, he faces another mountain to climb after the team drafted Ozzy Trapilo in the 2nd round. Not only is the rookie considered a serious contender for the left tackle job, but Amegadjie is up against the clock, and Jones is expected to return at some point during camp. That gives the second-year man a small window to make an impression.
Roschon Johnson (RB)
D’Andre Swift dodged a bullet. He remains the unquestioned starter for the Bears at running back. The question is who Ben Johnson and the coaching staff will pair with him. Initial belief is that job will go to Roschon, who offers the big, bruising style of running that would complement Swift well. Still, rookie Kyle Monangai was praised for his work in OTAs and minicamps. The Bears are certain to give him plenty of looks in the coming weeks. Johnson is finally in a place where he could get serious workloads after years as primarily a short-yardage guy and pass protector. He can’t afford to waste this chance.
Tyrique Stevenson (CB)
Nobody is under the gun more than Stevenson. His 2024 did not go as planned, marked by inconsistency and his now-infamous gaffe in Washington that led to the Hail Mary. Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are fixed as starters. That means Stevenson is the one person who could be threatened for the starting job. The Bears have certainly stacked the competition with Terell Smith and rookie 5th round pick Zah Frazier. Stevenson’s safety net of Matt Eberflus and his coaching staff is gone. This new group, led by Dennis Allen and Al Harris, is under no obligation to hand him the job. He will have to earn it, and there won’t be any grading on a curve because he’s a former 2nd round pick.
