Chicago insiders said on May 20 that second‑round pick Logan Jones and fourth‑round cornerback Malik Muhammad could earn starting roles after the 2026 NFL Draft. Albert Breer, writing for Sporting News, warned fans to watch for two surprise winners in camp.
The Bears arrived at training camp with veteran center Cody Whitehair and Pro‑bowler Jaylon Johnson entrenched at corner, but the rookie surge could force the front office brass to rethink the depth chart.
Logan Jones: A Center Ready to Take Over
Logan Jones, a Texas A&M product, logged 1,150 snaps as a true freshman and allowed only three sacks in his final season, a metric that the numbers reveal as elite for a second‑round interior lineman. The 6‑4, 305‑pound lineman also bench‑pressed 425 lb at the combine, showing the raw power needed to dominate NFL trenches. His ability to pull on running plays mirrors the 2019 breakout of James Daniels, giving head coach Matt Eberflus a versatile option for both power and zone schemes. If Jones wins the center job, Chicago could shift to a more aggressive interior attack, opening up play‑action opportunities for Justin Fields.
Malik Muhammad: The Cornerback Who Could Disrupt the Depth Chart
Malik Muhammad arrived from Alabama with a 4.45‑second 40‑yard dash and 12 pass breakups, numbers that place him in the top quartile of recent fourth‑round defensive backs. At 21, he recorded 1.2 tackles per snap in his senior year, a stat that suggests high activity and instinctive play recognition. Muhammad’s press‑coverage technique resembles that of Jaylon Johnson, setting up a direct competition for the nickel slot. Should he earn the role, the Bears gain a younger, cheaper option that could free up $800,000 in cap space for a veteran free‑agent signing.
What history says about rookie breakthroughs
Second‑round interior linemen have a 57 % chance of starting by season’s end, while fourth‑round defensive backs only reach 22 % in the same span. The Bears have leaned on high‑draft picks to jump‑start their rebuild, and the current class could continue that trend.
Key Developments
- Logan Jones signed a four‑year deal with $1.2 million guaranteed, giving Chicago flexibility under the 2026 cap.
- Malik Muhammad’s rookie contract includes $800,000 guaranteed, preserving cap room for additional signings.
- The Bears’ offensive‑line veteran corps now lists Cody Whitehair, James Daniels and rookie Logan Jones, creating a three‑man rotation for the interior line.
- Chicago’s secondary depth chart now features Jaylon Johnson, veteran cornerback James Bradberry and rookie Malik Muhammad, setting up a three‑way battle for nickel duties.
- Both rookies participated in the NFL Scouting Combine, with Jones posting a 5.05‑second three‑cone drill and Muhammad a 36‑inch vertical jump.
Impact and what’s next for Chicago
If the two rookies lock down starting spots, the Bears could accelerate their rebuild timeline, forcing veteran players to accept reduced snap counts or become trade assets before the trade‑deadline. The development also signals to future scouting departments that Chicago values performance over draft pedigree, a message that could shape the next NFL Draft strategy.
Which veteran players will the Bears rookies directly challenge?
Logan Jones will battle Cody Whitehair for the center spot, while Malik Muhammad competes with veteran cornerback Jaylon Johnson for nickel duties, according to the insider report.
How do the rookie contracts affect the Bears’ salary cap?
The four‑year deals include $1.2 million and $800,000 in guarantees, leaving roughly $5 million in cap space for the 2026 season, giving Chicago flexibility to sign free agents.
Has Chicago ever started a fourth‑round cornerback in his rookie year?
Yes, the Bears started fourth‑round pick Charles Tillman in 2003 after an impressive camp, a precedent that supports Muhammad’s potential ascent (historical record).
