A lack of depth on the Chicago Bears' defense has been a topic of discussion throughout the offseason, as new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is tasked with working with what he has. That could become a problem.
CBS Sports writer Josh Edwards named the biggest need on each NFC team going into the 2025 season. Edwards has safety as the team's top need, but did give the Bears props for having a solid roster already.
"Chicago is a contender for the title of "most improved roster" this offseason. It is becoming more difficult to poke holes in its roster. The defensive tackle spot is interesting, because the Bears have a lot of talented players without production and a few older players, but nothing in between. Safety is the clearest position of need with an aged Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker starting with little more behind them."
Allen has his work cut out for him in Chicago
Last year's Bears defense allowed the sixth-most average yards per game in the NFL, with 354.3. They were at least good at keeping teams out of the end zone, allowing 21.8 points per game.
Allen's challenge is finding depth players who can contribute this season. He did get Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency to add some pass rushers to the defensive line. Rookie fourth-round pick Ruben Hyppolite II has the Bears with high hopes that he can be a steal in the NFL Draft.
All three levels of defense lack substantial depth behind the starters. At safety, the Bears at least have Jonathan Owens, who held up well last year at safety. Elijah Hicks also had a decent amount of playing time in the previous three years in Chicago.
The more pressing concerns are on the defensive line and linebacker. Austin Booker and rookie second-round pick Shemar Turner are good enough to back up on the line, but need more guys they can lean on. Linebackers are even more scarce, with the backups, with Noah Sewell the only one who has any significant playing time on the field.
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If none of the backups step up, it might have to take the Bears to look in free agency for help. They are hoping that's not the case, though, and Allen can bring this potentially solid defense together.