Chicago Bears offseason winners and losers: Less help for Caleb Willams, more toys for Dennis Allen
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The Chicago Bears' 2026 offseason has left Caleb Williams as a clear loser despite the team's strategic focus on defense, with minimal offensive upgrades and the departure of key receiver DJ Moore without a true replacement. While Williams benefits from internal development and faith in his growth, the lack of external support makes his path harder. On offense, Luther Burden emerges as a major winner, stepping into Moore’s void as the primary playmaker, while Joe Tooney faces increased responsibility with weakened left-side line support. Defensively, Dennis Allen is the standout winner, finally getting his preferred roster with new linebackers, safeties, and versatile players like Devin Bush and Kyler Gordon. Tyreek Stevenson and Austin Booker also benefit from lack of competition at cornerback and defensive end, respectively. However, Montez Sweat is a clear loser, now expected to carry the entire pass rush burden without a true backup. TJ Edwards survives but is clearly on the way out, and Cole Komet’s fate is split—initially a winner for staying, but now a loser due to the third-round draft pick of Sam Rauch, signaling a faster timeline for his eventual replacement. The Bears’ offseason reflects a bold bet on defense and internal growth, but at the cost of quarterback support and long-term stability at key offensive positions.
Caleb Williams is a loser of the offseason due to lack of offensive support despite being the team's centerpiece quarterback.
Luther Burden is the biggest offensive winner, stepping into DJ Moore’s role as the primary playmaker in the slot.
Dennis Allen is the top defensive winner, finally getting his ideal roster with new versatile players and upgraded depth.
Austin Booker is a major defensive winner, getting a clear path to starter status after no new edge rushers were added.
Montez Sweat is a clear loser, now expected to carry the entire pass rush burden without a reliable backup.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Intro and Offseason Context
Loren Cox opens the episode with a recap of the Locked On Bears podcast network and introduces the focus: evaluating the Chicago Bears' offseason winners and losers post-draft. He sets the stage by noting the team’s strategic shift toward defense and the lack of offensive upgrades.
Caleb Williams: The Unsupported Star
“If you had to say, is Caleb Williams, did Caleb Williams win or lose this offseason? Like I can't find an argument for like he's a real winner of the offseason.”
Offensive Winners and Losers
Luther Burden is highlighted as the top offensive winner, inheriting Moore’s role. Joe Tooney is a loser due to increased responsibility with a weaker left side of the line.
Defensive Overhaul: Dennis Allen’s Victory
“He has to be a winner for winning those draft picks, those free agent signings, the dollars and resources that they put in towards him.”
TJ Edwards: Survivor, Not Winner
“It feels like we're building towards the end of TJ Edwards in the Bears defense.”
“He was winning for a while, and now I think he's a loser of the offseason, but that's where, like, I wanted to talk through it because I could... kind of hear it either way.”
“It feels like we're building towards the end of TJ Edwards in the Bears defense.”
“It's not to me that like, oh, he needs to produce more this year than did last year. No, I still still like a 10 sack guy. Like, that's fine.”
Host
Caleb Williams
person
Dennis Allen
person
Loren Cox
person
Luther Burden
person
Cole Komet
person
Montez Sweat
person
DJ Moore
person
Tyreek Stevenson
person
Austin Booker
person
TJ Edwards
person
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