A Comprehensive Blueprint for the 2026 Offseason
By Sam Van Cleve
The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 offseason in a position that feels unfamiliar, yet promising. For the first time in nearly a decade, this is not a franchise searching for identity. Instead, it is one looking to build upon one. With continuity across the coaching staff and a full offseason to develop within Ben Johnson’s offensive system, expectations have shifted. This is no longer about rebuilding. It is about winning.
The objective is clear. Compete for the NFC North title and position the organization as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Achieving that goal will require a calculated, aggressive approach, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, while continuing to support the development of a young franchise quarterback.
Continuity Creates Opportunity, but Urgency Defines the Moment
One of the most significant changes for Chicago is the stability it has gained. Retaining both playcallers provides a level of continuity the organization has lacked for years. That stability should translate into growth, particularly on offense, where Caleb Williams enters Year 2 with a stronger grasp of the system and surrounding personnel.
However, continuity alone does not guarantee success. The Bears must treat this offseason as a window of opportunity. The foundation is in place, but the roster still has clear gaps that must be addressed to compete with the NFC’s elite teams.
Fixing the Foundation Starts in the Trenches
If there is one defining weakness from the 2025 season, it is the Bears’ inability to consistently control the line of scrimmage on defense. Stopping the run remains the cornerstone of elite defensive play, and Chicago fell well short in that area, ranking near the bottom of the league in yards per carry allowed.
The modern NFL has reinforced the value of dominant interior defensive line play. Teams that advanced deep into the postseason consistently featured disruptive defensive tackles who could control early downs and force offenses into predictable passing situations. That ability to create third-and-long scenarios is a force multiplier for any defense.
Chicago has not had that type of interior presence since Akiem Hicks. Addressing that void must be the top priority.
A prospect such as Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald embodies exactly what the Bears are missing. His production against the run, combined with his ability to absorb double teams and still impact plays, would immediately elevate the defensive front. Adding a player of that caliber would not only improve run defense but also raise the ceiling of the entire unit.
Linebacker Instability Forces Difficult Decisions
The linebacker position was defined by inconsistency and injuries throughout the 2025 campaign. T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, and Noah Sewell all missed significant time, forcing depth players into expanded roles. While D’Marco Jackson emerged as a bright spot, the overall unit lacked reliability.
Tremaine Edmunds presents the group’s most difficult decision. While he showed flashes of elite play early in the season, injuries and late-season coverage struggles raised concerns about his long-term fit and value. A potential release would free approximately $15 million in cap space, allowing the Bears to reallocate resources toward more consistent production.
Improving linebacker play is not simply about replacing talent. It is about establishing dependability and physicality within a defense that struggled to consistently stop the run. Whether through veteran additions or the draft, this position group must be retooled meaningfully.
Secondary Success Creates Complicated Choices
Despite dealing with injuries, the Bears’ secondary was one of the most productive units in the league, particularly in generating turnovers. That success, however, brings its own challenges, as several key contributors are set to enter free agency.
Kevin Byard stands out as a priority. His leadership, ball production, and overall presence made him the backbone of the defense. Retaining him should be a central focus, as players with his combination of experience and playmaking ability are not easily replaced.
Jaquan Brisker presents a more nuanced situation. His physical style and postseason performance highlight his value, but durability concerns cannot be ignored. Finding the right balance between risk and reward will be critical in determining his future with the organization.
If the Bears choose to move on from key contributors in the secondary, the position could quickly shift from a strength to an area of immediate need. Depth will be essential, regardless of how those decisions unfold.
Protecting the Quarterback Remains a Priority
While much of the offseason focus will center on the defense, the Bears cannot afford to overlook the importance of protecting Caleb Williams. The offensive line showed improvement, but questions remain, particularly at left tackle.
Injuries and inconsistent play have created uncertainty at one of the most critical positions on the field. Adding competition, whether through free agency or the draft, should be a priority. If a player such as Trent Williams were to become available, the Bears would be in a unique position to pursue a short-term solution that provides immediate stability.
Ensuring Williams has consistent protection is essential to sustaining offensive growth and maximizing the impact of Ben Johnson’s system.
A Front Office That Prefers Aggression Over Overspending
Ryan Poles has established a clear pattern in his approach to roster building. Rather than overpaying in free agency, he has consistently targeted value through early trades. This strategy has allowed the Bears to acquire impact players while maintaining financial flexibility.
That approach is likely to continue in 2026. The defensive line, in particular, stands out as an area where a strategic trade could yield significant returns.
A player like Kayvon Thibodeaux represents a realistic and intriguing option. His athleticism and versatility align well with Dennis Allen’s defensive philosophy, and a change of scenery could unlock his full potential. On a more ambitious level, a player like Jeffery Simmons would transform the defensive front, though acquiring him would require a substantial investment.
The Draft as a Path to Immediate Impact
While trades and selective free agent signings will shape the roster, the draft remains a critical component of the Bears’ offseason strategy. Given the team’s needs, early-round selections should prioritize defensive playmakers, particularly along the interior defensive line and at safety.
Players such as Kayden McDonald, Emmanuel McNiel-Warren, and other interior defenders offer the type of physical presence Chicago lacks. At the same time, adding a versatile linebacker or developmental offensive tackle could address both immediate and long-term needs.
The depth of the EDGE class compared to defensive tackle makes interior players even more valuable early in the draft, reinforcing the importance of addressing that position quickly.
Creating Flexibility Through Internal Moves
In addition to external acquisitions, the Bears have opportunities to improve the roster through internal decisions. Contract restructures for key players such as DJ Moore and Grady Jarrett could create significant cap space, allowing the team to pursue additional upgrades.
Extensions for foundational pieces like Cole Kmet and Darnell Wright would provide long-term stability while reinforcing the core of the offense.
At the same time, difficult decisions will be necessary. Moving on from players such as Tremaine Edmunds or Roschon Johnson could create additional flexibility, even if those moves come with short-term challenges.
A Defining Moment for the Franchise
The path forward for the Chicago Bears is clear, but execution will determine the outcome. The team must commit to rebuilding its defensive identity, particularly in the trenches, while continuing to support the development of its young quarterback.
This is not a rebuilding offseason. It is a pivotal one.
If the Bears successfully address their defensive shortcomings, maintain offensive continuity, and make calculated roster decisions, they will position themselves as legitimate contenders in the NFC.
For a franchise that has spent years searching for direction, the opportunity is finally here.
Now comes the challenge of capitalizing on it.
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