Coming off an 11-6 overall record and winning the NFC North, this offseason is becoming more important than any the Chicago Bears have had in over a decade.
Every decision that Bears head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles make could make or break their Super Bowl chances. They have some big free agents who will be available, including Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, that Chicago needs to decide whether to bring back.
Another major aspect of the Bears' offseason is the NFL Draft. They found four capable starters from last year's class and will have the pressure of replicating that success in 2026. What does it look like for Chicago going into the draft?
Bears' 2026 NFL Draft outlook is pretty obvious on what needs to happen
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid took a look at the Bears and what their draft could look like. Reid likes the team's focus on defensive ends.
"The Bears tied with the Bengals for last in pass rush win rate this season. In Round 1, T.J. Parker (Clemson) would fit the prototype of the team's defensive scheme, as he's a power rusher who is also an NFL-ready run defender. Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State) and Gabe Jacas (Illinois) are other realistic options on Day 2."
Last season, the Bears recorded only 35 sacks; only six teams had fewer. Outside of Montez Sweat's 10 sacks, Chicago didn't really have much help for him despite Austin Booker coming on late in the season for the Bears.
That leaves the door open for guys like Parker, Dennis-Sutton, and Jacas to be great picks in the NFL Draft. Parker has been a popular name in mock drafts for the Bears to select in the first round after having 37 tackles, five sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one pass deflection on the season for the Clemson Tigers.
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Bears must do something to increase pressure on the quarterback if they want to continue competing with the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions in the NFC North, given their star quarterbacks. Chicago will have a great shot at getting a top pass rusher in the NFL Draft if they play their cards right.