​The Chicago Bears are assembling for a highly anticipated 2026 campaign, aiming to build on the success and momentum of their standout first year under head coach Ben Johnson. The 2025 season delivered an NFC North title and a wild-card playoff victory, but this current chapter feels entirely new thanks to a busy offseason marked by the departure of key veterans and the arrival of fresh veterans and exciting rookies. Training camp will be the proving ground, with Johnson intent on pushing his roster to be as prepared as possible for the rigors of the upcoming year. From today through the start of camp, we’ll be counting down the 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season. Each entry will revisit the player’s 2025 performance, project their impact in 2026, and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.
We’ve moved beyond the top tier and have now reached the teens, beginning with Kyle Monangai at No. 19. The rookie flashed as a capable complement to D’Andre Swift and now steps into his sophomore season ready to build on that momentum. Position: running back. Age: 24. Experience: second season. 2026 cap hit: $1 million.
Last offseason, the Bears were desperate for a dependable secondary option behind Swift, and they rolled the dice with seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai from Rutgers. Given a draft class that was stacked with running backs, landing Monangai at that stage looked like a long shot for value. But what seemed like a minor acquisition proved to be a real stroke of luck. Monangai spent most of his rookie year behind Swift, biding his time until his moment arrived. That moment came in Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints, but his breakout game happened in Week 9 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. In that matchup, Monangai carried 26 times for 176 yards while stepping in for an injured Swift. From that performance forward, Monangai emerged as RB1B, forming a bruising one-two punch with Swift that helped establish one of the league’s more formidable ground attacks.
Together, Monangai and Swift repeatedly wore down defenses, combining for 100-plus rushing yards in multiple games, including a pair against the Philadelphia Eagles. Monangai’s physical running style added a necessary dimension to the offense, complementing Swift’s speed and elusiveness. By season’s end, Monangai totaled 783 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, a number that underscored his growing importance to Chicago’s run game and overall offensive equation. No longer is Monangai simply a compelling seventh-round story; he’s a dependable contributor who provides the Bears with a sturdy, punishing back to balance Swift’s quickness and shiftiness.
This year, Monangai isn’t just a role player—he’s a key piece of Chicago’s offensive puzzle. The Bears will rely on him to deliver a steady, powerful presence in the backfield from the opening snap, while Swift remains the home-run threat and primary playmaker. As defenses adjust to the two-back threat, Monangai will be charged with expanding the Bears’ ground attack and helping sustain the offense when passing lanes are congested. Expect Monangai to surpass his 162 rushing attempts from last season as the staff prioritizes a balanced approach that stresses both backs and wears down opponents over four quarters.
But with more game film on Monangai and a growing understanding of his tendencies, opposing defenses will begin to study and prepare for him accordingly. Chicago’s coaching staff will need to ensure he stays multiple and adaptable, capable of handling a heavier workload and evolving into a go-to option as the season progresses. As the Bears map out their 2026 offensive plan, Monangai’s ability to absorb contact, churn out tough yards, and keep the offense moving on early downs will be crucial. His contribution goes beyond raw numbers; it’s about enabling a stable, credible run game that can support Caleb Williams and the passing attack, creating a cohesive, multi-faceted offense that is difficult to defend.
Swift remains the explosive centerpiece, but Monangai’s continued growth will determine how effectively Chicago can sustain drives and impose their will on defenses. The narrative around Monangai this year is not just about his past success; it’s about proving he can carry a larger share of the load and adapt as defenses adjust to him. With a season of tape to study and a role that should expand, Monangai’s trajectory looks promising—a young back who can grow into a consistently reliable option and help drive the Bears toward another competitive, compelling season. As Johnson emphasizes conditioning, discipline, and versatility in camp, Monangai’s development will be a focal point for Chicago’s hopes of sustaining a high-powered, balanced attack in 2026.