​The Chicago Bears are primed for an eagerly anticipated 2026 campaign, aiming to build on the strong footing they established during Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach. That inaugural year yielded an NFC North title and a wild-card playoff victory, proof that this is a franchise capable of winning at a high level. Yet 2026 is a fresh start, shaped by an offseason of change that saw the departure of veteran stalwarts and the arrival of a mix of seasoned players and intriguing rookies. The work begins in earnest at training camp, where Johnson will push his roster to its limits to ready them for the battles ahead this season. Each day from now until camp opens, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season, recapping what happened in 2025, forecasting what lies ahead in 2026, and tackling the top question that will define the year.
Kicking off this countdown at No. 17 is edge rusher Austin Booker, who made meaningful strides in his second year after earning a starting role following Dayo Odeyingbo’s season-ending injury. With the Bears not making notable moves at the position in free agency or the draft, the expectation in Chicago is clear: Booker must become a major contributor in 2026.
In 2025, Booker’s season got off to a rough start due to a preseason knee injury that sidelined him for the first seven games. Although he initially returned from injured reserve with a cautious approach, the Bears chose to ease him back into action. Once he hit the field again, Booker began to demonstrate his potential. His first game back came in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he wasted no time making an impact—recording a sack, a forced fumble, and a tackle for loss. From there, he steadily evolved into a reliable compliment to Montez Sweat, serving as a disruptive presence in the second half of the year by batting balls at the line and piling up sacks and quarterback hits. Over 10 games in 2025, Booker totaled 35 tackles (five for loss), 4.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, three passes defended, and a forced fumble.
The Bears made a strategic choice to stand pat at edge rusher in both free agency and the draft, signaling clear confidence in the current roster to rise to the challenge. Odeyingbo’s return from a torn Achilles is progressing, but he’s not yet at full game readiness, which effectively opens the door for Booker to seize the starting edge rusher job and help anchor the unit. Booker’s rise appears genuine, and entering Year 3 he looks physically different—more powerful and better suited to shoulder a heavier workload. He’s become a focal point in the pass rush, and the momentum around him suggests he’s ready to take the next step toward becoming a true breakout star for the Bears.
Looking ahead, Booker’s development will be a barometer for Chicago’s overall edge production in 2026. If he maintains the upward trajectory he showed in the latter half of 2025, he could emerge as one of the team’s most impactful players on defense. The coaching staff’s plans to lean into his pass-rush capabilities, combined with his increased size and strength, imply a heavier workload and more opportunities to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. The question then becomes whether Booker can sustain that growth across a full season and translate a handful of late-season flashes into consistent, game-changing impact week after week.
In a broader sense, the Bears are counting on a seamless transition as younger players assume bigger roles while veterans remain productive contributors. The decision to retain Booker as a core piece at edge aligns with the franchise’s strategy of building through internal development, rather than chasing external fixes. If Booker can carry his late-2025 form into 2026 and continue to refine his technique against both the run and the pass, he could be a cornerstone of Chicago’s defense for years to come.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Booker’s ability to replicate and elevate those late-season flashes. The starting job is within reach, and the timetable suggests that he could be a defining figure for the Bears in 2026. Whether he becomes a breakout star or remains a high-end rotational piece will hinge on his health, consistency, and continued development under Johnson’s system. For now, the Bears’ plan is clear: trust Booker to lead the edge, push the pressure, and help drive Chicago back toward the postseason spotlight in 2026.