The Charter: A Chicago Bears Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Bears Draft Preview: Strategy, Targets & Big Questions Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

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.

Draft Needs, Rising Prospects & Caleb Williams Buzz Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

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.

Should the Chicago Bears Trade Up, Trade Down, or Stay Put? Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

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.

NFL Owners Meetings: Bears Looking FORWARD, Stadium Update & Possible Referee Lockout Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

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 Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

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 Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

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 Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

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 Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

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 Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

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 Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

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.