BIG News: New LB for The Bears in '26 Heats Up + McCarthy To Steelers's Impact On Bears & Kmet News

The Chicago Bears are quietly laying critical groundwork for the 2026 season, and several recent developments point to major changes coming at key positions. From draft scouting to coaching ripple effects and potential roster turnover on offense, the Bears are clearly operating with both urgency and long-term vision as they reshape the core around Caleb Williams.

One of the most notable moves is the Bears meeting for a second time with LB Shad Banks Jr. ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Banks Jr., a linebacker out of UTSA, has quickly emerged as a legitimate mid-to-late round target thanks to his elite athletic profile and speed. Clocked in the 4.4 range, Banks brings sideline-to-sideline range that immediately jumps off tape. He excels in pursuit, shows strong closing burst, and has the ability to mirror running backs and tight ends in coverage — traits the Bears desperately need with their linebacker room dealing with uncertainty.

Chicago’s interest makes sense. T.J. Edwards and Noah Sewell both remain without clear injury timelines, leaving the depth chart thin and forcing the front office to prioritize durability, speed, and upside at the position. Banks Jr. recorded strong tackle efficiency at UTSA, consistently finishing plays in space while flashing instincts as a run defender. While he may enter the league as a rotational piece, his speed and special teams value could allow him to carve out a role quickly, especially in Dennis Allen’s defensive system that values range and discipline.

Off the field, the Bears are also monitoring coaching movement across the league, particularly after Mike McCarthy’s hiring by the Pittsburgh Steelers. This move has ripple effects for Chicago because of McCarthy’s deep ties to defensive backs coach Al Harris. Harris, who has already generated interest for coordinator roles, now has a direct pipeline to an AFC staff that knows his work well. Losing Harris would be a blow to Chicago’s secondary development, as he played a major role in technique refinement, communication, and physicality on the back end. His departure could force the Bears to adjust both scheme continuity and player development plans heading into 2026.

On offense, another potential shift is gaining traction as Cole Kmet may have quietly hinted at a farewell to Chicago in a recent Facebook post. While nothing is official, the timing raised eyebrows — especially with Colston Loveland’s rapid rise within the offense. Loveland’s athleticism, route-running growth, and production late in the season have positioned him as a long-term featured tight end. His ability to stretch the field vertically while still contributing as a blocker has changed how defenses align against the Bears.

Kmet has been a steady, reliable presence, but roster construction, cap strategy, and offensive evolution all point toward difficult decisions ahead. With Caleb Williams continuing to grow and the Bears emphasizing versatility and explosive playmaking, the tight end room could look very different sooner than expected.

All together, these developments paint a picture of a franchise actively preparing for transition — reinforcing weak spots through the draft, bracing for coaching turnover, and re-evaluating veteran roles. The Bears are building with intention, speed, and flexibility, and the moves happening now will shape what Chicago looks like in 2026 and beyond.

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