The Chicago Bears made the playoffs last season because of their best players. Caleb Williams, D.J. Moore, Joe Thuney, Montez Sweat, and Kevin Byard all made critical contributions to the team’s success. However, one thing we know about the NFL is that the stars alone can’t do everything. Sooner or later, the team will need a considerable contribution from the role players, particularly those the fans don’t know much about. Last season offered a perfect example of this phenomenon.
It was Naishon Wright emerging from the back end of the depth chart to snag five interceptions. It was D’Marco Jackson filling in at linebacker with some excellent performances midway through the season. Then it was Jahdae Walker making a do-or-die touchdown grab on 4th down to force overtime against Green Bay. Some big. Some small. All important. That begs the question. Who might be the ones to step up this year for the Bears? Players that fans haven’t paid attention to that could be a surprise if thrust into the lineup?
Three names Chicago Bears fans should keep an eye on.
DB Cam Lewis
Amidst a flurry of moves by the Bears over the past few months, one that probably flew under the radar the most was Lewis. That is largely because the team made two big moves at safety and then drafted Malik Muhammad in the 4th round. Lewis kind of got lost in the shuffle. However, his value to the team could soon prove to be incalculable. He has experience at both defensive back spots and, more importantly, worked extensively at nickel cornerback in Buffalo. Considering how injury-prone Kyler Gordon has been, there is a strong probability that Lewis sees lots of action at that spot.
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DT Neville Gallimore
Backups and rotational guys rarely get much attention on teams. Few know this better than Gallimore. He’s served in that type of role for most of his career. Despite that, the defensive tackle has still been productive. His 3.5 sacks last season were a career best despite not being a full-time starter. For all the attention Gervon Dexter, Grady Jarrett, and Jordan Van Den Berg will get, it feels like there will be a moment during this season where Gallimore comes up with a big play, either to preserve a key win or get the ball back to the offense to engineer a rally.
QB Tyson Bagent
Caleb Williams has been remarkably durable through his first two seasons for the Chicago Bears, starting every game. He prides himself on his toughness. Still, with the way he plays, running around and evading defenders, it stands to reason he’ll take a hit at some point that knocks him out of a game or two. That will require Bagent stepping into the lineup. He may not possess Williams’ playmaking skills, but he’s smart and knows where to go with the ball. Head coach Ben Johnson loves him. Don’t be shocked if he comes in and the offense stays right on schedule, grabbing one or two pivotal wins.
Star power may drive consistent success for an NFL team, but everybody who understands football will tell you the same thing. It is those who have good depth that often survive to reach January. The Bears proved it last season, battling through a laundry list of injuries. There is no reason to think it won’t be the same again in 2026. Guys will have to step up. These three feel like ideal candidates to do just that, based both on circumstances and their capabilities.
