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Bears Emphasize Fundamentals, Vikings Target Rookie Linemen

7/22/2026

Summary

Allen Emphasizes Fundamentals

Head coach Dennis Allen announced the Bears will focus on fundamentals at the training camp opening on July 28, 2026.
The Bears retained Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter Sr., added Neville Gallimore ($10 million, two years) and drafted Jordan van den Berg.
Allen said the line had 35 sacks and poor run defense last season and noted Daniel Hardy re-signed on a two-year deal in March 2026 for special teams.

Summary

Burton Impresses

Burton’s promising first impressions could be crucial for the Packers, whose guard play last season hampered Matt LaFleur’s offensive philosophy.
His showing should ignite a battle for interior line spots at camp.
The Vikings will focus on rookies Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange and tackle Jalen Redmond.
Undrafted Elijah Williams logged 42 rookie snaps and plans to bulk from 273 pounds to 310 pounds.
Williams could start Week 1 over Banks despite a foot issue.

History

Historical Context

In 2009, after a league-worst 45 sacks, Pete Carroll’s Seahawks signed guard John Moffitt to a $12 million two-year deal and cut sacks to 30 during camp. The franchise later captured Super Bowls in 2013 and 2025 and entered 2026 as champions. Echoing that turnaround, Chicago Bears coach Dennis Allen and Packers coach Matt LaFleur are emphasizing fundamentals and interior-line depth at their 2026 camps.

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Allen Emphasizes Fundamentals

Head coach Dennis Allen announced the Bears will focus on fundamentals at the training camp opening on July 28, 2026.
The Bears retained Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter Sr., added Neville Gallimore ($10 million, two years) and drafted Jordan van den Berg.
Allen said the line had 35 sacks and poor run defense last season and noted Daniel Hardy re-signed on a two-year deal in March 2026 for special teams.

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