The Chicago Bears are already shaping their roster for the 2026 season.
On January 20, the Bears announced they have signed 14 players to reserve/future contracts. The deals take effect when the new league year opens, and they’ll place the players on Chicago’s 90-man roster for workouts, minicamps and training camp.
The signings come after one of the Bears’ most productive seasons in years. Chicago finished 11–6, won the NFC North and snapped its postseason drought with a wild-card victory over the rival Green Bay Packers before falling in overtime in the divisional round.
Considering the team leaned heavily on depth at times when injuries mounted, the players Chicago just added could have their respective numbers called at any time. Let’s break down who the Bears brought back, starting on offense.
RB Brittain Brown Tops List of 2026 Reserve Futures Signings for the Chicago Bears
GettyBrittain Brown of the Chicago Bears was re-signed to a reserve/futures deal, along with 13 other players.
Running back Brittain Brown, a former seventh-round pick for the Raiders, stands out because he played some meaningful snaps last season.
Brown, who also spent time with the Giants before landing in Chicago, was elevated during the season and made the most of limited chances. He finished the year with five carries for 37 yards and his first career touchdown, showing downhill burst and decisiveness when called upon.
Wide receiver Maurice Alexander, who previously spent time with the Lions and Eagles, spent most of the season on the practice squad but was elevated late as depth became an issue. While his offensive snaps were limited, he also contributed on special teams.
Wideout JP Richardson, an undrafted rookie, did not see regular season action, but impressed enough in practice to be retained. He caught four passes for 28 yards in two preseason games and remains a developmental option.
At tight end, the Bears kept Nikola Kalinic, a former Rutgers fullback, and Stephen Carlson, a vet with multiple NFL stops. Both were used primarily on special teams when elevated. Kalinic, in particular, dressed for two games and logged all of his snaps in the kicking game.
On the offensive line, Kyle Hergel, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent and spent the season on Chicago’s practice squad, returns as interior depth. Hergel did not appear in a game but worked weekly with the scout team.
Long snapper Luke Elkin, a former Iowa product, was also signed.
A Look at the Defensive Players Chicago Brought Back
Chicago native Dallis Flowers, who previously spent time with the Colts, saw limited game action during the season. The 28-year-old veteran cornerback appeared in one game, logging eight snaps on special teams.
Dontae Manning, another corner and another rookie UDFA, joined the organization late in the year after spending time with the Falcons and Raiders. He didn’t log any regular season snaps for Chicago, but his speed — he ran a 4.26 40-yard dash coming out of Oregon last year — likely intrigues the Bears.
The Bears also signed safety Gervarrius Owens, a former seventh-round pick of the New York Giants. He didn’t play at all in 2025, and has appeared in five games over the previous two seasons before joining the Bears.
The Bears also added to their defensive line, signing Jonathan Garvin, who has logged defensive snaps with the Packers and Bears over multiple seasons. Garvin has prior NFL experience, while DE Jeremiah Martin, who has bounced between practice squads since entering the league in 2023, is a longer-term project.
Linebackers Nephi Sewell, a former Lions special teams regular, and Dominique Hampton, a converted safety who entered the league as a defensive back, were also retained. Sewell, who is the brother of current Bears linebacker Noah, has played primarily on special teams. Hampton remains a conversion project with decent range and some intriguing physical tools.
Bears Announce Multiple Signings, Including Playmaking RB