After just 35 sacks as a team in 2025, the Chicago Bears know exactly what needs to be accomplished in the offseason.
Bears defensive end Montez Sweat was, by far, the best pass rusher on the team with his 10 sacks, while not getting much production out of 2025 free agent signing Dayo Odeyingbo. ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin's biggest question in the offseason for Chicago is how they will add to the pass rush in the offseason.
"This was one half of the Bears' biggest offseason question a year ago. Chicago ranked 31st in pass rush win rate (29%) despite making pricey additions last free agency (DE Dayo Odeyingbo and DT Grady Jarrett) and using a second-round pick on DT Shemar Turner. Injuries played a role in the Bears not seeing a return on investment in 2025, but Chicago needs to land a dominant edge rusher to play opposite DE Montez Sweat. Until that happens, the Bears will continue to struggle generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks."
How are the Bears going to address the pass rush?
One name that Cronin did not bring up that could be a big impact player off the edge is Austin Booker. Despite missing half the season, Booker was still one of the better pass rushers and could see himself earning more playing time.
Odeyingbo is a clear-cut free agent bust, as is Jarett. Chicago almost spent $100 million on the two, and they still have not met expectations.
The two most common names from the Bears to trade or sign are Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby. Both could be possible trades, but it really depends on how much money they have in their salary cap, as they are in the red going into the offseason.
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There are some tough decisions to make for the Bears, but the easiest thing they know is that they have to find another pass rusher.