Five Chicago Bears veterans face uncertain futures in training camp, with younger talent pushing hard for roster spots and key roles under the team’s evolving depth chart.

The Chicago Bears enter the 2025 training camp at a pivotal moment in their franchise rebuild. With a new coaching staff, promising young players rising through the ranks, and a growing emphasis on youth and speed, several veteran Bears find themselves on precarious footing as they battle to retain their roster spots or starting roles.

While veteran leadership remains valuable, the NFL’s competitive nature means no player is guaranteed a job — especially when talented rookies and younger players are eager to prove their worth. The Bears’ emphasis on athleticism, scheme versatility, and long-term growth has created a crowded battlefield in multiple position groups.

Here, we break down five veterans who face the most uncertainty this summer, outlining why their spots are in jeopardy and who is pushing to replace them.

1. Tariq Woolen — Cornerback

Though Tariq Woolen was a standout cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, his name has surfaced in trade rumors involving the Bears as the team searches for depth and youth in the secondary.

Why Woolen’s Spot is Uncertain:

• Younger Talent Rising: Chicago boasts promising young cornerbacks like Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Jones, both of whom have shown potential in practice and preseason games.

• Injury Concerns: Woolen has struggled with durability issues in the past season, which makes the team wary of relying heavily on him.

• Scheme Fit: The Bears’ defensive coordinator has implemented more zone and press coverage, and younger corners with quicker feet may fit better in this system.

Who’s Pushing:

• Tyrique Stevenson: A second-round draft pick known for his physicality and coverage instincts.

• Jaylon Jones: Versatile, quick, and a special teams standout, Jones is pressing for a larger role.

Woolen must prove he can stay healthy and adapt to the new defensive scheme to secure his spot.

2. D’Andre Swift — Running Back

D’Andre Swift has been a dynamic playmaker in the NFL, known for his explosiveness and receiving ability. However, the Bears’ backfield is crowded and evolving, threatening Swift’s status.

Why Swift’s Spot is Uncertain:

• Health and Durability: Swift has battled injuries throughout his career, and the Bears want a more durable, between-the-tackles back.

• Emerging Backups: Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert are pushing hard in camp, showcasing their running and pass-catching skills.

• Salary Cap and Contract Considerations: The Bears face tough decisions on cap space, and Swift’s contract demands may not align with the team’s long-term financial strategy.

Who’s Pushing:

• Roschon Johnson: A physical, downhill runner with strong receiving ability.

• Khalil Herbert: A shifty back with special teams value and pass-blocking skills.

Swift will need to show he can stay healthy and contribute consistently in all facets to maintain his role.

3. Sam Mustipher — Center

Sam Mustipher has been a reliable starter for the Bears, but offensive line is a constant competition zone, and younger players are ready to challenge for starting jobs.

Why Mustipher’s Spot is Uncertain:

• Performance Inconsistency: Mustipher’s play has been uneven, with occasional struggles against powerful interior defensive linemen.

• Youth Movement: The Bears have drafted and signed promising interior linemen who can play center or guard.

• Versatility Needed: The coaching staff values linemen who can play multiple positions, and Mustipher is primarily a center.

Who’s Pushing:

• Nolan Ruess: A versatile rookie draft pick with good technique.

• Josh Simmons: A younger player who can play guard and center, providing flexibility.

Mustipher must improve his consistency and prove his ability to anchor the line against elite competition.

4. Isaiah Simmons — Linebacker

Isaiah Simmons is an athletic linebacker with unique versatility, but his fit in the Bears’ defense is not guaranteed amid increased competition.

Why Simmons’ Spot is Uncertain:

• Scheme Compatibility: The Bears’ new defensive scheme requires linebackers who can cover and rush effectively, and Simmons has struggled to find a clear role.

• Competition: Gerald Browning Jr. and other young linebackers are pushing hard to earn significant snaps.

• Injuries: Simmons’ availability has been spotty, raising questions about reliability.

Who’s Pushing:

• Gerald Browning Jr.: A physical linebacker with strong coverage skills.

• Roquan Smith: While an established player, Smith’s health status and competition mean Simmons’ role is uncertain.

Simmons needs to carve out a defined niche or risk losing snaps to younger, more scheme-fit players.

5. Trey McBride — Tight End

Trey McBride joined the Bears with high expectations but has struggled to consistently produce at the NFL level.

Why McBride’s Spot is Uncertain:

• Limited Impact: McBride’s production has lagged, especially compared to other tight ends on the roster.

• Emerging Tight Ends: The Bears have younger tight ends with better blocking and receiving upside pushing for reps.

• Offensive Scheme: The offense favors athletic, versatile tight ends who can create mismatches in both the run and pass game.

Who’s Pushing:

• Jake Hausmann: A young tight end with receiving chops.

• Cole Kmet: Though the incumbent starter, Kmet’s injury history creates openings for competition.

McBride needs to improve his consistency, blocking, and route-running to secure a significant role.

Why These Battles Matter

The Bears’ philosophy under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus is clear: develop young, versatile, and high-effort players who can grow with the team’s long-term vision. Veteran players are not guaranteed roles simply based on experience or past achievements.

Each of these position battles is about more than just the individual player; it’s about the future direction of the franchise.

• Can the Bears accelerate their youth movement without losing competitiveness?

• Will veterans rise to the occasion and prove they still have what it takes?

• How will the coaching staff balance development with the win-now mentality?

These questions will be answered over the grueling weeks of training camp and preseason games.

What Fans Should Watch For

As training camp progresses, here are some indicators Bears fans should look for to gauge which veterans might lose their jobs:

• Snap Counts in Practice and Preseason: Who is getting the majority of reps? Are younger players closing the gap?

• Performance Under Pressure: How do veterans respond in competitive drills and 1-on-1 matchups?

• Coaches’ Comments: Tone and emphasis from coaches during interviews can hint at who’s on thin ice.

• Injury Reports: Availability often decides battles — can veterans stay healthy?

Final Thoughts

The NFL is a “what have you done lately” league, and the Bears’ current rebuilding phase means veterans must compete harder than ever to keep their jobs. While experience is valuable, it’s ultimately performance and fit that will decide roster spots.

For the five veterans outlined here — Woolen, Swift, Mustipher, Simmons, and McBride — the 2025 training camp is more than just preseason work. It’s a crossroads that could define their careers with the Chicago Bears.

At the same time, this competition breathes new life into the team. It pushes every player to elevate their game, fosters a culture of accountability, and fuels hope that Chicago’s next era of success is on the horizon.