Chicago Bears 2026 offseason workout dates: First day, OTAs, minicamp

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of their offseason program on April 20, where new and returning players will gather at Halas Hall to kick off the 2026 season under second-year head coach Ben Johnson. Chicago is fresh off an impressive 2025 season, where they went from worst to first, won the NFC North at 11-6 and won their first playoff game in nearly two decades. Quarterback Caleb Williams made massive strides in his first season with Johnson, and there's no shortage of young talent on the roster, especially offense.

The NFL announced the offseason workout dates for the Bears , which includes the start of their offseason program, OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The offseason workouts will allow Williams and company a chance to hit the ground running in their second season in Johnson's offense while the defense works on fine tuning things in Dennis Allen's scheme. There are plenty of new faces on the roster -- and more to come with the 2026 NFL Draft -- who will also get a chance to develop a rapport with their new teammates and learn their new respective schemes.

Here's a look at those offseason dates: First Day: April 20 The Bears will return to Halas Hall for the start of their offseason program on April 20. This will mark the first time head coach Ben Johnson and his staff will meet with this new team before the NFL draft. Teams with new coaches will report on April 7.

Rookie minicamp: May 1-4 or May 8-11 Following the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bears can hold their three-day, post-draft rookie minicamp either May 1-4 or May 8-11, where new rookies will hit the practice field at Halas Hall for the first time. There will also be undrafted free agents looking to earn a roster spot. OTA workouts: May 27-29, June 2-4 The Bears will meet as a team, new rookies included, beginning May 27 for the first of six voluntary OTA practices at Halas Hall, which will include veterans and rookies.