The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor circle back to the Chicago Bears’ 2026 schedule with a fresh perspective, taking a closer look at the matchups that could define the season and revisiting their initial reactions nearly a week after the release. From a potentially brutal midseason stretch to intriguing quarterback battles featuring Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, and Drake Maye, the duo breaks down where the Bears may have advantages and where things could get dicey. They also debate who could actually be under center for the Vikings by Week 2 and whether the Bears can build momentum early in the year. The conversation moves game-by-game as Ruthie and Clay hand out their way-too-early win-loss predictions, including marquee showdowns against the Eagles, Packers, Patriots, Seahawks, Buccaneers, and Lions on Thanksgiving Day in Detroit. They discuss why matchups against teams like the Saints, Jets, Falcons, Jaguars, and Dolphins may be far more complicated than they appear on paper, while also previewing the Bears’ first trip to the Bills’ new Highmark Stadium. Along the way, the hosts examine the importance of primetime tests, tough road environments, and how Caleb Williams could stack up against some of the NFL’s biggest names in year two.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor unpack the newly released 2026 Chicago Bears schedule and react to some early surprises, including Chicago opening the season on the road against Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers instead of a trip to Seattle. The duo highlights several marquee matchups on the calendar, from a Monday night showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles to a pivotal Week 8 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks that Clay believes could become a measuring-stick game for the season. They also discuss the Bears’ stretch of primetime appearances and why the Week 10 bye may arrive at the perfect time. Later in the episode, Ruthie and Clay look ahead to a challenging finish to the year that includes Thanksgiving in Detroit against the Detroit Lions, a late-season home game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, and a brutal closing run featuring Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day, another matchup with Detroit, and a season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. Clay shares a player’s perspective on preparing for holiday games and explains why Ben Johnson may be uniquely prepared to navigate the challenges that come with facing a first-place schedule after his success coordinating one in Detroit.

Clay and Ruthie kick things off with a lighter moment as they share what it’s been like being in the middle of a fast, before turning their attention to the Chicago Bears’ early offseason rhythm. With rookie minicamp approaching, they break down how the team is laying the groundwork for its newest additions and revisit their initial reactions to the draft now that there’s been time to digest it. Clay offers an updated perspective after diving deeper into film, giving a clearer picture of how each pick could fit moving forward. Later, the conversation shifts to a bigger-picture evaluation as Clay ranks Ryan Poles’ draft classes now that the GM has reached his fifth year at the helm. The duo highlights standout successes like Darnell Wright, Colston Loveland, and Caleb Williams, while also addressing picks that didn’t pan out as hoped, including Tyler Scott and Zach Pickens. They wrap up by circling back to rookie minicamp, discussing what fans should realistically watch for and why this early stage can quietly shape the trajectory of a player’s first season.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor break down the Bears’ full 2026 NFL Draft class, diving into whether this group meaningfully upgrades the roster heading into the season. The conversation starts in the trenches with second-round center Logan Jones and how he fits alongside Garrett Bradbury, before shifting to third-round tight end Sam Roush and what his arrival means for the Bears’ evolving TE room. They also explore how head coach Ben Johnson’s vision shapes these selections and the ways these rookies could be deployed in his system. The episode continues with a closer look at playmakers and value picks, including wide receiver Zavion Thomas and what he brings to the offense, plus cornerback Malik Muhammad, who is already drawing “steal of the draft” buzz, and fifth round linebacker Keyshaun Elliot. The duo also discuss the Bears trading up for defensive tackle Jordan Van Den Berg and whether he could develop into a future surprise contributor. Ruthie shares what she would have done differently, while Clay wraps things up with his overall takeaways from a draft class that could define the next phase of the roster. 

CHSN host and The Score's David Haugh joins Ruthie and Clay to break down the Chicago Bears' first-round selection of Dillon Thieneman at No. 25 overall, a move Haugh says he predicted. The group dives into why there’s so much excitement around the pick, how Thieneman fits into Ben Johnson’s vision, and the way his speed adds another layer to a defense that’s clearly gotten faster this offseason. They also look at how he could complement newly added safety Coby Bryant and what that pairing might bring to the secondary. Later they look into some of the biggest surprises across the draft, including quarterback Ty Simpson landing with the Los Angeles Rams. The crew also checks in on division movement, including what the Detroit Lions did, while Clay shares insight on his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, and their first-round pick Makai Lemon.

Clay Harbor teams up with CHSN host Gabe Ramirez, stepping in for Ruthie Polinsky, to map out the Chicago Bears’ approach ahead of the draft. The guys react to assistant GM Jeff King’s media availability and use it as a springboard to break down the team’s overall strategy, including how Ben Johnson’s vision could shape their first-round direction and the type of player who best fits his scheme. As the conversation builds, they revisit Colston Loveland’s outlook following his media session and the scrutiny surrounding his 2025 draft class, while also checking in on Garrett Bradbury’s early efforts to establish himself within the Bears’ culture. From there, the focus shifts to the bigger picture, identifying key positional needs, evaluating potential options at pick No. 25 (and who to avoid), and weighing the value of older prospects. Clay highlights defensive end Austin Booker as a name to watch, and Gabe closes by laying out why he expects the Bears to stay active and potentially make moves when draft night arrives.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor take a deep dive into the latest Chicago Bears draft buzz, starting with a notable Halas Hall visit that could hint at defensive priorities. From there, they break down the team’s biggest needs and revisit past draft picks that turned into major wins, setting the stage for how fans should view this year’s decisions. The episode heats up as Clay unveils his boom-or-bust prospects and shares thoughts on under-the-radar quarterbacks, while Ruthie weighs in on development paths for young arms. Later, “Wired In” returns with fresh Caleb Williams chatter and a hilarious NFL story. Clay concludes the episode by revealing his evolving mock draft strategy.

Ruthie kicks things off by celebrating the Michigan Wolverines' national championship, setting the tone before diving into the looming decisions facing the Chicago Bears in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the draft just weeks away, she and Clay break down the different scenarios of whether the Bears should trade up, move down, or stay put and what each path could mean for the roster. Clay zeroes in on potential targets at No. 25 overall and highlights a group of second-round fits with Chicago holding two picks, while also exploring whether a tight end could be in play—including a Wolverine name Ruthie can get behind. The conversation wraps with a look at adding wide receiver depth and how the Bears could continue building out their offense.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor have you covered on the roller-coaster finish between the Bears and Rams, starting with Caleb Williams delivering a clutch strike to Cole Kmet to force overtime. In the extra session, however, a costly miscue swings the outcome and sets up the Rams’ victory. They then zoom out to the bigger picture, including a “Wired In” look at Williams’ performance, Ben Johnson’s bold offensive line shuffle that held up under pressure, and a Bears defense that stood tall against a potent Rams attack. The episode wraps with a wide-ranging “What’s Trending” segment, touching on coaching carousel buzz and a quick spin around the league as conference championship storylines come into focus.

Ruthie Polinsky and Clay Harbor get you ready for the Divisional Round as the Bears prepare to host the Rams, starting with a look at how Chicago’s winter weather could shape the game plan and impact both teams on Sunday. From there, Ruthie and Clay dig into what Chicago must do to put itself in position to advance, highlighting the critical factors that could swing the game and where the Bears can create an edge. As kickoff nears, the episode closes with final thoughts and predictions, with Ruthie and Clay locking in their picks for a playoff clash that feels primed for drama.