The Chicago Bears finished with an 11-6 record during the 2025 regular season and were the number two seed in the NFC. Chicago took down the Green Bay Packers on wild card weekend, but the Bears lost to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime in the divisional round. The offense under head coach Ben Johnson is year one was pretty explosive when quarterback Caleb Williams was on his game.
USATSI 27981216 168422142 lowres
Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson stands on the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
One of the major issues with the Bears was the defensive side of the football. There is no doubt that Chicago general manager Ryan Poles will need to address that side of the football this offseason. If they can fix that side of the football this offseason, they can no doubt be Super Bowl contenders’ next season. The Bears will have free agency and the NFL Draft to find some pass rushing help.
NFL Analyst Believes That the Chicago Bears Need Pass Rushing Help This Offseason
USATSI 27815459 168422142 lowres
Dec 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Dan Weiderer of the Athletic believes that the Bears need pass rushing help this offseason. He said,
“The Bears finished in the bottom 10 of the league in sacks with 35 and were 21st in sacks per pass attempt (6.57%). To make the leap from division champ into a true Super Bowl contender in 2026, the pass rush needs more teeth. To a large extent, the Bears may have to lean heavily on improved production from players they already have — Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Shemar Turner, Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter, Austin Booker — to get where they want to go. Still, adding impact contributors up front is a priority with a push to become more disruptive on the interior of the defensive line.”
Trey Hendrickson will be a free agent. Maxx Crosby could potentially be on the trade market. There are some other names out there that the Bears could potentially trade for or sign in free agency. Chicago is currently drafting 25th overall during the 2026 NFL Draft. There is no doubt that they will address the defensive side of the football with that pick, unless they trade that selection for a proven pass rusher. If they still have the pick, they need to find another pass rusher.
If they can find two of them this offseason, the Bears will have to be talked about as primary Super Bowl contenders entering the 2026 NFL season. This is a pivotal offseason ahead for Chicago also.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @glennkaplan13 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!