Explore the Chicago Bears’ new faces this NFL season and the potential impact on their NFC North journey.
Aug 22, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) runs with the ball against Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks (21) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Can you believe it!? The 2025-26 NFL season is upon us! With all the new faces in town, let’s take a look at a few who could play significant roles in the Chicago Bears‘ progression moving forward in the stout NFC North this season.
1. Ben Johnson
Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson on the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field.
All one has to do is look back at the transformation of Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions to see why Ben Johnson was the hottest commodity at HC the past 2 years. It was a double-edged sword that allowed the Bears to procure perhaps the highest-touted offensive mind in the NFL. Matt Eberflus was never a head coach; he was another failed prospect. After removing Lovie Smith, it’s been almost as if we are under a head coach curse. Never a true leader of men.
That is, until now. This is where I believe that Ben Johnson will differ so greatly from both previous head coaches, Matt Nagy and Matt Eberflus. His presence seems to command respect, with the results of a madman’s mind running an offensive scheme so intricate that players have to immerse themselves completely. There is no in between. Buy in, or beat it. I’m buying heavy.
My only pause is, who do the Bears have that can mimic Jahmyr Gibbs? Johnson won’t exactly have that weapon, and that leads me to be slightly concerned with the backfield, but I do believe the madman wearing the headset and holding the playbook will figure it out.
It goes without saying that Caleb Williams must make a giant leap in his sophomore season, and with the new offensive additions and Ben Johnson’s guidance, I believe he does.
2. Colston Loveland
May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) smiles during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall.
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The All-American and National Champion is ready to showcase what made him a top-10 pick. Loveland grew up modeling his game after Jimmy Graham, the Saints tight end who gave opposing defenses fits. A wide receiver in a tight end’s body, Graham changed the way the league viewed and paid the position.
Colston Loveland can be that guy. Linebackers can’t keep up with him, and cornerbacks are too small. If the line can provide the quarterback with ample time, expect Loveland to eat early and often. Sam Laporta may have been the biggest key in a potent Lions squad under Johnson, and all signs through camp point to a strong connection with Caleb Williams. Ben Johnson will get the most out of his young tight end, of that I’m certain.
Bold take- Loveland will record the second most receiving yards by a Chicago Bears rookie tight end all time, trailing only Mike Ditka’s 1076 yard record set in 1961.
3. Olamide Zaccheaus
Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) celebrates with Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Soldier Field.
You’re probably saying, “Hey, where’s Luther Burden?”. That’s a fair question; you don’t spend a second-round pick on someone you don’t envision having a significant future. However, I’m going with Olamide Zaccheaus this year for a few reasons, not to say that Luther Burden won’t have a respectable rookie campaign.
Zaccheaus’s ability to learn new systems quickly will give him a leg up on Burden early on. His change of direction and quickness are superb, consistently allowing him to evade middle defenders.
If you watched any of the preseason snaps involving him and Caleb Williams, there already seems to be a trust in Zacchaeus as the bailout slot man. The check man. The YAC man. Please take a look at what he accomplished in Washington with Jayden Daniels last season.
Want one more reason to love the offseason signing? He’s going to be incremental in the growth of Burden in the slot. The Washington Commanders will miss him, and the Bears will welcome him with open arms.
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