Chicago Bears announce youth tryouts and outline 2026 defensive outlook

Quarterback Caleb Williams used his Instagram account to announce that tryouts for his Caleb Williams Elite Team – an 8th‑grade football squad based in the Washington, D.C. area – will be held on July 17 and 18 at Whitemarsh Park in Bowie, Maryland. The program is intended to give talented youth players a stronger foundation, and Williams said the team will support the kids in any way possible as he heads into his third NFL season with the Bears.

Separately, analysts previewed the Chicago Bears' 2026 defense. Edge rusher Austin Booker is projected to record around ten sacks after a four‑sack finish in the final ten games of the prior season. The new safety pair, Dillon Thieneman and Coby Bryant, are expected to combine for ten interceptions, offering greater versatility in Dennis Allen's scheme. The outlook highlights other defensive pieces and the potential impact of offseason departures.