NFL insider believes two Bears rookies could unexpectedly win starting jobs in 2026

After winning the NFC North and making it to the NFC Divisional Round, the Chicago Bears have a ton of positive momentum heading into the offseason.

While they didn't spend like some of their top contenders, they did go out and sign Coby Bryant and Devin Bush to strengthen their defense, and then used the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster their roster even further with some fun rookies.

However, other than Dillon Thieneman, none of the Bears' rookies looks to have clear shots at starting jobs. And yet, NFL insider for Sports Illustrated, Albert Breer, believes that two rookies could be unexpected winners for starting jobs for 2026.

Two rookies could be unexpected position battle winners

"And I do think Stevenson starts opening day, but could have a hard time holding off Malik Muhammad," Breer writes. "As for the center spot, it wouldn't stun me in the least if Logan Jones finds a way to beat out Garrett Bradbury, who's a good stopgap, but not a long-term fix."

The Bears traded for Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots after the surprise retirement of Drew Dalman this offseason.

He's projected to be the starting center, but second-round pick Logan Jones will compete for a starting job this year. And Breer wouldn't be stunned if Jones won the center job by Week 1.

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Malik Muhammad, the 21-year-old rookie cornerback taken in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, is a bit of a tougher sell to earn the starting job right away.

But Breer wouldn't be surprised if Muhammad did take over for Tyrique Stevenson at some point this season. It might be as early as Week 1, depending on how they both look in camp.

With this commentary from Breer, it seems as if Bears fans should be prepared for the possibility that two rookies come out of camp as unexpected winners for the starting cornerback and center jobs over two veterans who seem like locks at the moment.

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