Safety Dillon Thieneman enters season as Chicago Bears starting strong safety

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 7:31 PM

Last updated Sep 5, 2026

Safety Dillon Thieneman enters season as Chicago Bears starting strong safety
Summary

Chicago Bears rookie safety Dillon Thieneman has secured the starting strong safety position ahead of the upcoming NFL season. Analysts at ESPN have identified Thieneman as a primary candidate for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. The first-round pick recorded 94 tackles during his final collegiate season and is expected to maintain a significant presence in the box. Head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles face scrutiny regarding their draft choices, with team leadership hoping Thieneman’s immediate contribution validates their roster management. If he earns the award, he would be the first Chicago Bears player to do so since Mark Carrier in 1990. The organization remains focused on building upon the progress established during the previous season under Johnson’s direction.

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By the Numbers
  • Dillon Thieneman is the starting strong safety for the Chicago Bears
  • ESPN analysts named Thieneman a top Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate
  • Thieneman recorded 94 tackles during his college career
  • The last Chicago Bears player to win Defensive Rookie of the Year was Mark Carrier in 1990
Latest Updates
  • 7:31 PMYahoo SportsBears rookie could make Ben Johnson look like a genius
What they're saying
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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles are rooting for him.

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