Chicago Bears: Stadium Move, NFL Combine, and Offseason Roster Moves
The Chicago Bears are one of the biggest stories in the NFL right now — and it has nothing to do with what happened on the field. A potential move to Indiana, a franchise-changing offseason, and decisions about key players are dominating the conversation heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chicago Bears Stadium Drama: Indiana vs. Illinois
The Chicago Bears released a statement calling the passage of Indiana Senate Bill 27 "the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date," signaling a serious pivot toward building a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana.
An Indiana House committee unanimously advanced the legislation 24-0, creating a stadium finance authority that would help the team build a domed stadium in northwest Indiana. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott said "Hammond will do whatever it takes to help make this project a success."
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said he was "surprised" by the Bears' statement, as Illinois had previously signaled optimism about a deal to build in Arlington Heights. The development prompted the cancellation of a previously scheduled Illinois legislative committee hearing on the Bears' stadium.
Under the Indiana proposal, the Bears would contribute $2 billion toward construction costs, with new food, beverage, and innkeepers taxes in northwest Indiana counties helping fund the stadium and surrounding infrastructure.
Caleb Williams Named Bears 2025 Offensive Player of the Year
After leading the Chicago Bears to an NFC North title and setting a single-season team passing record, quarterback Caleb Williams was named the Bears' 2025 Offensive Player of the Year. Williams guided the team to an 11-6 record, their first division title in years and a deep postseason run.
Safety Kevin Byard III was named the Bears' 2025 Defensive Player of the Year after fueling the defense's league-leading 33 takeaways and serving as a leader on and off the field. Head coach Ben Johnson, despite the team's success, has said the Bears must start from scratch in 2026.
Bears Lose Playoff Run but Gain Draft Capital
The Bears finished the 2025 season 11-6 and won the NFC North, earning their first playoff win in 15 years with a comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers before falling to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round. The Bears hold the No. 25 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Bears and Falcons both agree that Chicago should receive compensatory third-round draft picks after former Bears executive Ian Cunningham was hired as Atlanta's general manager, but the NFL has so far declined to grant the picks because it considers Falcons president Matt Ryan the primary football executive. GM Ryan Poles said the Bears have communicated through the proper channels and are waiting for a resolution.
Key Roster Decisions Loom This Offseason
The Bears face significant decisions at cornerback heading into free agency. Pro Bowl cornerback Nahshon Wright, a free agent who recorded five interceptions and 11 passes defended in 2025, recently said "I would love to be back in Chicago," and has a meeting scheduled with the Bears.
The Bears' defense was decimated by injuries in 2025, with linebackers and cornerbacks hit especially hard, forcing the team to use seven different starters at cornerback over the course of the season. Addressing those depth issues through free agency and the draft will be a top offseason priority for general manager Ryan Poles as the Bears look to take the next step toward Super Bowl contention.
