The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

NFL Owners Meetings: Bears Looking FORWARD, Stadium Update & Possible Referee Lockout

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor dive into the latest from the Chicago Bears, starting with Ben Johnson’s Monday morning remarks at the owners meetings in Arizona. Johnson reflects on a fresh start in 2026, Caleb Williams’ progress, the left tackle situation, and second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III, while Garrett Bradbury’s role on the roster is also discussed. The hosts break down the coaches’ photo, including Caleb Williams’ playful jab at Johnson on Instagram. 
The conversation then shifts to broader team and league updates, including Kevin Warren’s latest stadium comments, the potential referee lockout as union negotiations stall, and Ryan Poles’ insights on Shemar Turner’s injury-plagued rookie season. Johnson’s frustration with praise for the Bears’ 2025 campaign and his perspective on the defense, particularly Kyler Gordon, round out the episode. Ruthie and Clay provide their takes, offering fans a full snapshot of what’s next for the Bears and the league.

RANKING Bears' 2026 Opponents

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor kick off the episode reacting to the NFL’s announcement that the 2026 season will start midweek, with the Seahawks hosting an opponent on Wednesday and the Rams facing the 49ers in the first-ever regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia. They discuss the possibility of the Chicago Bears being Seattle’s opening-night opponent and what that matchup could mean for both teams.
The conversation then shifts to Clay’s rankings of the Bears’ 2026 opponents, breaking down which matchups could be the toughest and which games fans should circle on the calendar. Ruthie and Clay also share insights on trends around the league and what this schedule shakeup might mean for teams chasing playoff positioning.

Bears Bring Back Sanborn + NFC North Offseason Breakdown

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor open the episode with some fun, as Ruthie pitches her idea for a new Charter Podcast theme song before the conversation quickly shifts to real Bears news. They break down Jack Sanborn’s return to Chicago, the addition of lineman James Lynch, and what those moves signal about the team’s direction this offseason.
From there, the focus expands to the NFC North, sizing up where each team stands heading into the new season. The duo evaluates the Bears’ trajectory, digs into the Packers’ key departures, examines the Vikings’ headline-grabbing moves, and debates whether the Lions are retooling or taking a step back.

Breaking Down the Bears’ Free Agent Frenzy

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor dive into a busy stretch for the Bears, starting with the team trading for former New England Patriots center Garrett Bradbury following Drew Dalman’s retirement. They break down how Bradbury fits into Chicago’s offensive line and what the move signals about the Bears’ approach to reshaping the roster.
The conversation then turns to a flurry of free agency news, including additions like safety Coby Bryant, linebacker Devin Bush, and wide receiver Kalif Raymond, along with the team bringing back linebacker D’Marco Jackson. Ruthie and Clay also discuss players departing Chicago, such as cornerback Nahshon Wright signing with the Jets.

NFL Combine Recap + What Drew Dalman’s Retirement Means

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor unpack everything coming out of the NFL Combine, spotlighting the prospects who boosted their stock and the ones who may have left teams with more questions than answers. The conversation quickly pivots to breaking news as the Chicago Bears deal with the sudden retirement of center Drew Dalman and begin evaluating options, including a visit from a recently released center.
The episode also dives into the ripple effects around the league, from the latest on Maxx Crosby and where he could ultimately land to edge rusher Trey Hendrickson hitting the open market after not being franchise tagged. Plus, the crew discusses Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar, who made an appearance on Terron Armstead’s podcast.

NFL Combine & Breaking Down Possible Bears Trade Scenarios

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor check in to talk about the NFL Scouting. Combine taking place in Indianapolis, diving into what they’re hearing around the league and how it all connects back to Chicago. The conversation quickly turns to the Bears’ roster outlook, including reports that the team is open to moving D.J. Moore and Tremaine Edmunds, and what that could signal about their long-term plan. They also explore Tyson Bagent’s value on the trade market and debate what kind of return would even make sense.
From there, the focus shifts to draft philosophy: Should the Bears prioritize roster needs or simply take the best player available? Ruthie and Clay react to Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles speaking to the press for the first time since the season ended and what stood out from their messaging. The episode wraps with some creative brainstorming, as the duo tosses around potential rule changes the NFL could consider adding in the future.

Takeaways from Caleb Williams's Sit-Down with Maxx Crosby

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor open the show by unpacking the latest Chicago Bears coaching staff updates, highlighting new additions and internal promotions that could shape the team moving forward. The conversation then turns to rookie quarterback Caleb Williams making an appearance on the podcast hosted by Maxx Crosby, and what that crossover says about Williams’ growing presence around the league.
The duo also explores a bold hypothetical involving a potential Bears pursuit of Crosby, even weighing the idea of moving wide receiver DJ Moore in a blockbuster scenario. They react to reports linking the Arizona Cardinals to Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, then look ahead to the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine, with Harbor sharing insight from his own draft experience and why the next key dates matter so much for prospects.

Seahawks’ Super Bowl Statement & What It Means for the Bears

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor break down Super Bowl LX, where the Seahawks controlled the action from start to finish in a 29-13 win over the Patriots. The two dissect how Seattle set the tone early, the moments that swung the game, and what ultimately separated the champs on the biggest stage.
From there, the spotlight shifts to the Bearas. What lessons can they learn from the way the Seahawks are built? Clay and Ruthie examine roster construction, culture, and whether a dominant defense is still the formula for a title. They discuss if the Bears need to chase a marquee defensive addition or if the pieces already in place are closer than people think, while outlining potential offseason paths that could push Chicago toward contender status.

Super Bowl LX Preview and Bears' Offseason Outlook

Clay Harbor is joined by CHSN host Gabe Ramirez to kick things off with a look ahead to Super Bowl LX, as the pair also make their game picks. From there, the conversation shifts to the NFL coaching carousel, including the Bears’ search for a new offensive coordinator after losing Declan Doyle to the Ravens and the Giants hiring former Bears head coach Matt Nagy.
The focus then turns squarely to Chicago, as Clay lays out three bold moves the Bears could make this offseason and the duo dives into draft strategy discussions. They also look ahead to what the future may hold for tight end Cole Kmet and how his situation factors into the Bears’ long-term plans.

Super Bowl Is Set, NFL Coaching Carousel & Nahshon Wright Named to Pro Bowl

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor kick off the episode with the Super Bowl matchup officially set, breaking down New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks and the major storylines already taking shape ahead of the championship. The conversation then shifts into “What’s Trending” around the league, reacting to a busy NFL coaching carousel that includes Mike McCarthy landing in Pittsburgh, Brian Daboll heading to Tennessee, and Joe Brady taking over in Buffalo.
From there, the duo zeros in on Bears-related news, including Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham interviewing with the Atlanta Falcons for their general manager opening. They also touch on the Denver Broncos moving on from offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, highlight Austin Booker being named an "Unsung Hero" by NFL Network, and wrap up with Pro Bowl additions, including the Bears’ Nahshon Wright.