Bears' biggest roster decision is blatantly obvious after watching Montez Sweat

While the 2025 season for the Chicago Bears was magical, many aspects of the team needed improvement for them to make a longer postseason run.

Number one, and really the biggest need, was on the defensive line. This was a defensive unit that recorded only 35 sacks in 2025; just six teams had fewer. Bears defensive end Montez Sweat led the way with 10 sacks and had to do everything himself.

While Austin Booker showed a lot of potential for the next two years, the Bears still need to do something about the lack of a pass rush to support Sweat better, so he isn't doing it all. If there is any offseason to address that issue, it has to be in 2026.

Bears must address the pass rush in 2026 offseason

Pro Football Focus writer Bradley Locker looked at each NFL team's biggest roster decisions entering the offseason. Every Bears fan would agree with Locker's choice for the Bears, which, of course, is what to do about the pass rush.

"The Bears finished the season 27th in pressure rate and 25th in PFF pass-rush grade, with those results coming despite playing several high-paid defensive linemen. Montez Sweat was solid with a 13.3% pass-rush win rate and 64 pressures, but he received little help. Big-ticket edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo generated only 10 pressures before suffering a torn Achilles, while Grady Jarrett (56.9 overall PFF grade) wasn’t worth his $42.75 million deal.

Chicago clearly needs more juice in getting after the quarterback, but general manager Ryan Poles has already invested significant money in his defensive line. Will Poles be brave enough to swing another big deal or trade, and possibly cut bait with an underperforming player?"

The Bears would love to see more production from Odeyingbo, since he had only one sack in half a season. Unfortunately, Odeyingbo has struggled to do that throughout his career and has been widely seen as a bust as a free-agent signing.

Chicago might be forced to make a big move, such as acquiring either Trey Hendrickson or Maxx Crosby, to get the job done. Don't be surprised if Poles decides to look in the NFL Draft for an edge rusher since the class is deep with at least 10 at the position that could potentially go in the first round.

If the Bears don't get help in the pass rush, there is no way this team can be serious Super Bowl contenders.