The 2025 NFL season has come to an end with Super Bowl LX, and now the focus shifts to the 2026 offseason. For their part, the Chicago Bears will look to bolster head coach Ben Johnson’s roster in free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Bears made some significant roster moves this offseason, including some internal free agency — whether it’s re-signing some players or filling the holes left by departing players. According to Over The Cap, Chicago has 27 players scheduled to become free agents in 2026, including some key starters and contributors.
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Some players are likely to sign extensions, including safeties Kevin Baird and JaQuan Brisk, as well as cornerback NaShon Wright and linebacker DeMarco Jackson, both of whom are having great seasons with the Bears. But general manager Ryan Poles needs to make some big decisions with these players and other pending free agents.
Here’s a look at the Bears players heading into free agency:
Bears 2026 Free Agents
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DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (Void)
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WR Olamide Zacks(UFA)
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LB Jaylen Reeves-Maybin (UFA)
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S CJ Gardner-Johnson(UFA)
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DE Dominic Robinson (UFA)
When is free agency in 2026?
The 2026 free agent negotiating window will begin on March 9, when teams can negotiate with available players. Two days later, on March 11, the free agent market officially opened.
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How much salary cap space do the Bears have left?
The Bears are projected to be $5.3 million over the salary cap for the 2026 season, ranking 12th in the league. But Chicago will make some moves to restructure contracts and perhaps part ways with some expensive veterans to free up cap space to make some moves in the offseason.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears Pending Free Agents: Who Will Hit the Market in 2026
