Bears Nation

Chicago's defense will look very different in 2026.

The Chicago Bears won the NFC North, finished 11-6, and reached the Divisional Round of the playoffs in 2025, but several of the team's defensive stat leaders have since moved on.

2025 Bears defensive leaders:

• INTs — Kevin Byard (7) (1st in NFL)
• PDs — Nahshon Wright (11)
• FF — Montez Sweat (3)
• FR — Nahshon Wright (3)
• Sacks — Montez Sweat (10)
• Total tackles — Tremaine Edmunds (112)
• TFL — Montez Sweat (13)
• QB hits — Montez Sweat (18)

Kevin Byard, Nahshon Wright, and Tremaine Edmunds all finished atop at least one major defensive category before departing in free agency.

Montez Sweat is the only player from this group who remains on Chicago's roster entering 2026.

As several of last year's defensive leaders move on, the Bears will be counting on him to help lead the next version of this defense.

Even through an injury-affected season, Tyrique Stevenson continued to show flashes of why the Bears believe in his long-term potential.

The third-year cornerback remained a valuable contributor for a Chicago team that won the NFC North and advanced to the Divisional Round.

The numbers reflected his impact:

🧡 1 interception
💙 10 passes defended (2nd on team)
🧡 2 forced fumbles
💙 2 fumble recoveries
🧡 49 tackles (36 solo)
💙 1 tackle for loss

Stevenson appeared in 13 games and started 10 of them while continuing to make plays on the football when available.

A healthier season could unlock even more production in 2026 as Chicago looks to build on its success from the year before.

🧡💙 💪 🐻

Ben Johnson is all-in on Luther Burden III heading into Year 2.

The Bears head coach said he’s “buying Burden stock” after an explosive offseason, praising his speed, route development, and chemistry with Caleb Williams.

Burden quietly finished his rookie season with:
• 47 receptions
• 652 yards
• 2 TDs

But the advanced numbers were even better.

He ranked near the top of the NFL in yards per route run and was one of the league’s best WRs after the catch.

Now with DJ Moore gone, Burden could be ready for a massive jump in 2026.