Full Breakdown
Chicago Bears Launch 2026 Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall
5/9/2026, 9:23:43 PM
Core Event: Rookie Minicamp Begins
The Chicago Bears opened their 2026 rookie minicamp on May 9 at Halas Hall, bringing together draft selections, undrafted free agents, tryout players, and veteran invitees for two days of drills, 7-on-7 passing work, and a final deep-ball play that highlighted a veteran tryout participant.
Background & Context: Draft Class and Roster Building
Following the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bears entered the offseason with seven draft picks, including first-round safety Dillon Thieneman, second-round center Logan Jones, third-round tight end Sam Roush, and third-round wide receiver Zavion Thomas. The organization also signed 13 undrafted free agents and invited 24 rookie tryout players and five veteran tryout players, aiming to shape a 90-man roster before training camp.
Data & Statistics: Participants and Signings
- Total participants: 54 players (7 draft picks, 13 UDFAs, 24 rookie tryout players, 7 veteran tryout players, 5 other first-year pros).
- Signed draft picks: Malik Muhammad (CB, 4th round), Keyshawn Elliott (LB, 5th round), Jordan van der Berg (DL, 7th round), Zavion Thomas (WR, 3rd round).
- Unsigned draft picks: Dillon Thieneman, Logan Jones, Sam Roush.
- Notable jersey assignments: Logan Jones received No. 54, previously worn by Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher; Josh Kreutz wore No. 57, his father Olin Kreutz’s number; Jai Williams wore No. 71, his father James “Big Cat” Williams’s number.
Key Figures & Groups: Draft Picks, Tryout Players, Coaches
Head coach Ben Johnson oversaw the sessions, while veteran linemen Garrett Bradbury, Joe Thuney, and Darnell Wright represented the incumbent offensive line. Rookie center Logan Jones, a former Iowa Hawkeye, and undrafted tight end Hayden Large shared a practice floor. Veteran tryout wide receiver Scotty Miller, a former Super Bowl champion, made a highlight catch on the final play.
Official Statements & Responses: Coaching Philosophy and Roster Outlook
Ben Johnson emphasized that learning the Bears’ “way of doing things” precedes competition, noting that every participant—drafted or undrafted—must absorb the organization’s culture before earning a niche. He also described Logan Jones as a “seasoned” rookie whose football knowledge impressed staff during pre-draft visits.
Criticism & Opposition: Long Odds for Tryout Players
Sources acknowledge that rookie tryout players “rarely result in a contract,” underscoring the steep challenge faced by Josh Kreutz, Jai Williams, and the 24 other tryout hopefuls as they vie for limited roster spots.
On-the-Ground Reports: Player Impressions
Logan Jones likened the minicamp atmosphere to his Iowa experience, praising the “importance of the little things.” Josh Kreutz called the opportunity “surreal” and expressed a goal of making the 90-man roster. Jai Williams described the chance to wear his father’s number as “amazing.” Scotty Miller’s deep catch was described as a “dazzling diving play” that turned heads among coaches.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps: Signing Status of Draft Picks
One source reports that four of the seven draft picks have signed contracts, while another indicates all seven draft picks are present at minicamp, with three still unsigned. The discrepancy highlights an unresolved detail about the finalization of rookie contracts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Even just being here yesterday, me meeting with coach Johnson, there's a special resemblance to the way I was coached and taught at Iowa – the importance of the little things,showing up on time, the stuff that you might not think matters, matters here,” — Logan Jones, Center
- “It is an opportunity that I couldn't have asked for,” — Jai Williams, Defensive End
- “I knew I wanted to play in the NFL, and I'm happy I got a tryout, especially with the Bears being a hometown kid and being a Bears fan my whole life,” — Josh Kreutz, Center
- “All these guys – and it's regardless of draft pick, or undrafted rookie – it really doesn't matter how they got here, we're all looking for competition,” — Ben Johnson, Head Coach
What’s Next: Upcoming OTAs and Roster Decisions
The Bears will hold organized team activities May 27-29 and June 2-4, followed by a mandatory minicamp June 9-11. Roster cuts will continue as the team narrows toward the 90-man limit, with final decisions on unsigned draft picks and tryout players expected before training camp.
