The level of frustration over the Chicago Bears' lack of focus on the defensive end position has been well documented, but the defensive line in general did get attention from general manager Ryan Poles.
During free agency, three veteran defensive tackles were signed to contracts to help add depth to the position. Even in the 2026 NFL Draft, Poles decided to use his last pick to select Jordan van den Berg in the sixth round.
With all the new pieces behind Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter Sr., there is new hope that the position can catch fire and perform better than it did last year. One of those new additions holds the key to playing well over the next two seasons.
Neville Gallimore could become a sleeper pick for Bears' best offseason signing
Gallimore is a long-time veteran who has been on four teams since 2020 before joining the Bears. Last year with the Colts, he racked up 38 tackles, six quarterback hits, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and three pass deflections in 17 games. He received a 56.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking him 77th out of 134 defensive tackles last season.
The Bears locked in Gallimore to a two-year, $12 million contract, which is the only multi-year contract they gave out to a defensive tackle in free agency. Kentavius Street and James Lynch signed just one-year deals, showing that Chicago has high hopes for Gallimore.
Dexter is a great talent and someone the Bears must consider for a long-term contract, so he wasn't the problem in 2025. Jarrett struggled to stay healthy and just wasn't effective when he was on the field. That's what led the Bears to sign multiple defensive tackles and draft one just for an insurance policy in case Jarrett has another bad year.
Gallimore has started games in his career and has played in plenty of matchups to give him the experience needed. While he may not be on the top end of defensive tackles, he has a chance to be a difference-maker on this Bears defensive line that needs it.
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Chicago needed a boost up front on defense, with not enough pressure on the quarterback and to stop the run. If Gallimore is able to do both, he could find himself in the Windy City for a very long time, and the potential is there for him to do it.
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