It's hard to know if it happened by intent or circumstances they couldn't fully control, but the Chicago Bears enter OTAs committed to coaching up their current group of edge rushers to see if someone can emerge as a consistent threat opposite Montez Sweat.
The good thing about that is general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Ben Johnson, and defensive coordinator Dennis are publicly aligned on that front. After Johnson said, to paraphrase, "we're going to coach better" to get more out of the pass rush this season, Allen took full accountability for last year's shortcomings.
Time and the realization that no one is emerging as hoped could prompt a reassessment of the situation before training camp, if not sooner. The Bears also have the good fortune, as things sit right now, of having multiple good-looking free agent edge rusher options to consider if it comes to that.
Bears urged to fill edge rusher need with a specific player
As part of his list of "5 roster moves that need to be made amid 2026 NFL OTAs", Alex Kay of Bleacher Report didn't just say "the Bears need to sign an edge rusher." He named a specific one who has been mentioned as a potential fit a few times over the course of this offseason.
"Chicago Bears Need to Add Joey Bosa"
"Fortunately for Chicago, there are a surprising amount of quality free-agent edge rushers lingering on the open market. Joey Bosa is arguably the best of the bunch after his strong campaign with the Buffalo Bills last year."
"Bosa managed to stay healthy for a second consecutive season, tallying 29 tackles, five sacks and a league-high five forced fumbles last year.  Pro Football Focus credited the pass-rusher with 47 total pressures, 30 hurries, 12 QB hits and two batted passes."
"Although he's in the final act of his decorated career, Bosa proved he could still handle being a key piece on a contending defense. Bosa was on the field for 64 percent of Buffalo's defensive snaps—his highest share since 2021—and can assume a similar role within Chicago's edge rotation during an upcoming age 31 campaign."
After an injury-driven fade at the end of his years with the Los Angeles Chargers, Bosa had a nice rebound with the Buffalo Bills last season. With five sacks, five forced fumbles, and 54 pressures, he had the 10th-best Pro Football Focus pass rushing grade among edge rushers last season (85.5). In true passing sets, his pass rushing grade (89.4) and pass rush win percentage (20.1 percent) went up a notch.
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There is a team that looks like an absolutely perfect fit for Bosa, the San Francisco 49ers, where he can team up with his brother Nick. The Bears aren't likely to make a move to sign any edge rusher during OTAs or maybe even minicamp next month. But maybe the elder Bosa is willing to wait to sign until close to the start of training camp (or later?), and the stars Kay has tried to reignite will align to bring him to Chicago.
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