Chicago Bears free agent emerging as secondary starter before Week 1

The Chicago Bears thought they had their safety situation figured out when they signed Coby Bryant and drafted Dillon Thieneman. But with Bryant now forced to undergo surgery, who starts next to Thieneman has become a major question.

On Wednesday, Xavier Woods seemed to have a stranglehold of the position, via Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune. That’s notable, as with Week 1 looming, the Bears want to get their projected starters as many reps as possible.

“On defense, Xavier Woods took many of the snaps at safety in place of Bryant, and rookie Malik Muhammad II worked at nickel in place of Gordon,” Hammond wrote.

Woods is battling Cam Lewis for the starting job. But Lewis offers the Bears a bit more versatility, being able to play safety or nickel cornerback. If Muhammad is poised to land the nickel role, Lewis would move around the formation when needed.

Nothing is set in stone, as the Bears are still figuring out their alignment. But Woods at least appears to be on the inside track to starting in Week 1.

What Xavier Woods offers Chicago Bears 

The safety is coming to Chicago with 134 games of NFL experience over his nine years in the league, including 121 starts. Woods has put up 660 tackles, 50 passes defended and 15 interceptions during that span.

During the 2025 season, the 31-year-old appeared in 11 games with the Titans, starting 10 of them. He made 39 tackles, three pass break ups and two picks. Furthermore, Woods’ 70.3 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 24/98 safeties.

Following Bryant’s injury, the Bears just wanted stability at safety. Woods has plenty of experience, making him starting right away less of a challenge. Especially if he is able to quickly pick up defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme.

Woods will still need to officially win the starting safety role. But Bears fans shouldn’t be shocked if his name is listed amongst the starters against the Carolina Panthers.

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