The Chicago Bears had one of the worst interior defensive line rooms in the NFL last season, and they made sure not to let that happen again. Added players and improved health could completely revamp the group.
Grady Jarrett
Grady Jarrett was once viewed as a top-five player at his position without hesitation. While those days are likely over, he does appear to have some juice left. He is 32 years old, and while the Bears were comfortable paying him, Atlanta decided it was time to move on. The question is whether the Bears added a declining veteran or someone who can still be a significant piece of a rotation.
Gervon Dexter
Gervon Dexter looked like he was set to break out in 2024, but as the pieces around him fell apart, opposing offenses shifted more attention his way, and his play dipped. The early thought is that Dexter should be able to thrive in a room that now looks much improved.
Shemar Turner
The Bears didn’t stop at signing Jarrett — they also drafted Shemar Turner in the second round. He’s expected to rotate in on pass rush downs as a rookie, but how he develops across all phases will be worth tracking.
Andrew Billings
Andrew Billings started last year, and his injury tore the line apart. Now that the team has made additions, his health remains important but no longer make-or-break for the unit. Billings still brings reliable run defense and provides a good contrast to Turner, who offers more juice as a pass rusher.
Chris Williams
The Bears added Williams last year out of desperation when depth became a major issue. He earned some rotational work, but this year he appears to be firmly on the roster bubble.
Zacch Pickens
Pickens is likely to be cut. In his second year, he couldn’t beat out the journeyman Williams for playing time and has yet to flash any real upside. With a new coordinator and new pieces added, he’s shaping up to be the odd man out.
Read more: Bears training camp position preview: Shaky edge rushers lacking needed depth
Jonathan Ford
Ford rotated in at times for the Bears last year and could land on the practice squad again this season.