LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Head coach Ben Johnson announced the Bears captains Tuesday afternoon, a five-man group honored by a player vote.

Quarterback Caleb Williams and left guard Joe Thuney will represent the offense. Safety Kevin Byard III and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett will wear the “C” on defense, with kicker Cairo Santos the leader on special teams.

This is a veteran crew with two guys new to Chicago. Thuney and Jarrett joined the Bears this offseason, but they have street cred built over years of excellent play to deserve an esteemed spot on the roster. The veterans established themselves as locker-room leaders toward whom young guys gravitate.

Williams was an obvious choice as a quarterback, and Byard is another sage veteran with plenty of good play left in his career. Those guys return as captains for a second season.

Santos will lead the special teams group. Johnson said an additional captain will be added every week.

The Bears had eight captains in Matt Eberflus’ final season, a massive sum that ranked among the NFL’s highest. It also stole some of the value from the position, with so many involved. That number has been decreased by Johnson, with just two on offense and on defense and another on special teams.

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