Caleb Williams, Joe Thuney lead five Bears captains chosen for 2026

Chicago announced the captain vote Sept. 8. Players chose quarterback Caleb Williams and left guard Joe Thuney on offense, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and linebacker T.J. Edwards on defense, and kicker Cairo Santos on special teams.

Williams has been voted a captain in each of his first three seasons. Thuney, Jarrett and Santos return from last season’s group, while Edwards replaces safety Kevin Byard III, who is now with New England.

The group covers every phase of the team. Williams leads the offense in its second season under Ben Johnson, Thuney helps direct the line, Jarrett and Edwards organize the defense, and Santos represents special teams.

For Williams, the repeated vote supplies continuity as he moves through the early part of his career. For Edwards, joining the group changes the defensive representation without replacing every returning voice.

Captaincy identifies who the locker room chose to represent it. It does not settle playing time or establish a depth-chart order. The useful distinction in this year's vote is how much of the leadership group stayed in place: four returning captains, with one change on defense.