Bears Prioritize Safety in 2026 NFL Draft

Chicago Bears look to bolster secondary with top pick after losing key starters in free agency

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:06pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player making a tackle, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a variety of colors, conceptually representing the Bears' need to rebuild their safety position.The Bears' secondary overhaul takes shape as the team looks to the draft to find its next starting safety.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bears are making the safety position their top priority in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the loss of their top four safeties in free agency, the Bears need to address this gap in their defense. The team's current depth chart features Coby Bryant as the primary starter, with Elijah Hicks or Cam Lewis as potential backups, but the lack of depth and versatility at safety is a major concern. The Bears' first-round pick, at No. 25 overall, presents an opportunity to address this need by targeting coveted safety prospects like Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who offer speed and versatility.

Why it matters

The Bears' secondary was a weakness last season, and the free agent departures have left them thin at the safety position. Addressing this need in the draft is crucial for the team to rebuild their defense and compete in the NFC.

The details

The Bears' top four safeties from last season - Eddie Jackson, Tashaun Gipson, DeAndre Houston-Carson, and Deon Bush - all left the team in free agency. This has left the Bears with limited options at the position, with Coby Bryant as the only proven starter. The team is hoping to find an immediate impact player in the draft to shore up the secondary and provide long-term stability.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Coby Bryant

The Bears' current starting safety, who will need support from new additions to the secondary.

Elijah Hicks

A potential backup safety option for the Bears, along with Cam Lewis.

Cam Lewis

A potential backup safety option for the Bears, along with Elijah Hicks.

Dillon Thieneman

A coveted safety prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft who could be a target for the Bears with their first-round pick.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

Another coveted safety prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft who could be a target for the Bears with their first-round pick.

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What they’re saying

“The safety position is a glaring need for the Bears heading into the draft. They need to find an immediate impact player to shore up the secondary.”

— Analyst, NFL Draft Expert

What’s next

The Bears will closely evaluate the top safety prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the goal of selecting a player who can step in and contribute immediately to their defense.

The takeaway

The Bears' decision to prioritize the safety position in the 2026 NFL Draft reflects the team's commitment to rebuilding their defense and addressing a critical need. This move could pay dividends in the long run, as the Bears look to return to contention in the NFC.