The Chicago Bears' offseason continues to progress, with organized team activities underway. Mandatory minicamp will take place in a couple of weeks before teams go on a break ahead of training camp.
The roster is essentially settled for next season, though certain spots will be contested throughout the summer. Despite that, one area didn't improve as much as some had hoped, and ESPN's Bill Barnwell called it out.
Barnwell listed Chicago's worst move of the offseason as not adding more at edge. And this won't be a surprise to fans, as they know that position could have used more juice.
Bears not adding to edge room listed as worst move of offseason by ESPN
"The Bears didn't get enough pass pressure in 2025. When coordinator Dennis Allen didn't send extra pass rushers at the quarterback, the Bears ranked 30th in pressure rate (23.7%).... The draft might have been a logical place for Poles to look for a solution, but the Bears didn't add anybody to help out on the edge. Chicago also hasn't signed anyone there in free agency."
Even though the Bears were able to create turnovers at a high level last season, leading the NFL in takeaways (33), that may not be the case again in 2026 without generating consistent pressure.
Montez Sweat led the charge with 10 sacks in 2025 for this team, but the next highest sack total was Gervon Dexter Sr.'s six sacks, and he's a defensive tackle. Austin Booker had 4.5 sacks, which was second among Chicago's edges. Despite the flashes Booker showed, they need more from that group.
And the Bears understand that. They brought in a defensive end, A.J. Epenesa, for a workout last week. That indicates they want more from that unit and don't seem content with that room. Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune also added that they are looking at defensive end options.
With the season getting closer, general manager Ryan Poles is searching for more pass rush juice. And that's the same problem that was prevalent when the season ended in January. The fact that Chicago made no additions via free agency or the NFL Draft was surprising.
Being able to get after the quarterback is what title contenders do consistently, and they need to grow in that area. Chicago has Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner returning from major injuries; meanwhile, Grady Jarrett was underwhelming in his first season with this bunch.
Read more: Bears DL update shows Ryan Poles is eyeing a massive move
It seems like the Bears are hoping someone on the team takes a step in their progression, but that's a risky bet. It'll be interesting to see if they add someone before the season starts, as edge help is still at the top of the needs for this roster.
Add us as a preferred source on Google