As we approach March and the dawn of a new NFL season, every team will be trying to improve its roster in order to compete for the ultimate prize: the Lombardi Trophy. The Chicago Bears, who enjoyed their best season in over a decade, are no different. One move they should make is signing veteran pass rusher Von Miller.
The Washington Commanders are expected to let Miller and wideout Deebo Samuel walk in free agency, per Sports Illustrated. Given this revelation, paired with the Bears' struggles to pressure the quarterback, signing Miller might be the Bears' best free agency option.
Like most aging NFL players, Miller has bounced around the league in recent years. If Miller's history is any indication, he values playing for a Super Bowl-contending team.
Von Miller to Chicago Bears in 2026 makes sense
After an illustrious career with the Denver Broncos, which featured winning Super Bowl 50, Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, where he won another Super Bowl during his first season with the team. After a short trip in sunny Los Angeles, Miller immediately signed with the Buffalo Bills to help propel them to their first Super Bowl in franchise history with star quarterback Josh Allen at the helm. It didn't happen, but they clinched a playoff berth each year. After an ill-fated stint with the Washington Commanders, Miller is looking to join another contender.
Make no mistake, Miller is ring-chasing. A third Super Bowl ring would make Miller a first-ballot Hall of Famer with no doubt in voters' minds, considering his eight Pro Bowls and 138.5 career sacks are already enough.
Given the Bears' recent playoff success, they just might be the perfect option for Miller. If the Texas A&M alum wants to play football by the beach, he should sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If he wants to win, the Bears are a clear option.
Signing Miller would bring more than a veteran presence to the Bears' defense. He would also shore up the side of the defensive line opposite Montez Sweat and create a feared pass-rushing duo in the Windy City. With just 35 sacks last season, the Bears' defense ranked 22nd in the league.
. If they want to get over the hump and reach the Super Bowl, signing Miller is a no-brainer.
The Bears are currently in a cap space deficit at $10.69 million. They will need to make room to sign Miller. But the risk is clearly worth the reward. Even if the Bears don't sign Miller, it's a net positive that they could be in the running for him this offseason.
Read more: Bears can't afford to re-sign forgotten backup who disappointed all of Chicago
Other options for the Bears to improve their pass rusher are Trey Hendrickson, the No. 1-ranked free agent by ESPN, and Jaelan Phillips.