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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 10: DJ Moore #2 of the Chicago Bears fails to convert a two point conversion against Rasul Douglas #29 of the Green Bay Packers during the second half at Soldier Field on September 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears could be facing a major shakeup in their secondary this offseason, and one former rival might make too much sense to ignore.
With several defensive backs headed toward free agency, Chicago has been urged to consider signing former Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas as a cost-effective solution.
After a promising 2025 campaign in their first season under Ben Johnson, the Bears are looking to build on their momentum.
But the reality is they may not be able to keep everyone, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Kevin Byard III, Jaquan Brisker, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Nahshon Wright are all free agents.
In particular, Wright could price himself out of Chicago’s range following his Pro Bowl season.
Spotrac previously projected Wright near the $16-17 million per year range, a number that could force the Bears to pivot.
That’s where Douglas enters the conversation.
A Familiar Name for the Bears With Proven Production
Bears fans know Douglas well from his three-year stint in Green Bay, where he developed into one of the more opportunistic corners in the NFC North.
During that stretch, he totaled 32 pass deflections and 10 interceptions, including two pick-sixes.
He repeatedly made life difficult for Chicago’s offense every time the Bears faced Green Bay.
After leaving Green Bay, Douglas signed a modest one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2025 worth just $1.6 million.
He outperformed that contract significantly.
In 15 games (13 starts), Douglas recorded 62 total tackles, 13 pass breakups, two interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble.
Opposing quarterbacks completed just 54.5% of their passes when targeting him and only posted a 73.0 passer rating.
As of February 2026, Douglas is projected to command roughly a one-year, $4 million deal in free agency.
At 31, a shorter-term deal is more realistic than a multi-year contract.
Instead of paying for Wright at $16-17 million a year, Douglas offers a more affordable veteran option with similar 2026 upside.
Bears Presented With Cost-Effective Veteran Alternative
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The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 offseason between $5.3 million and $13.3 million over the salary cap.
However, they could clear up to $85 million in space through restructures and roster moves before free agency begins on March 13, 2026.
If Wright or another key defensive back walks, Douglas would present a significantly cheaper alternative with starting experience and proven ball skills.
At worst, he provides veteran depth behind Tyrique Stevenson.
At best, he wins the CB2 job outright and gives defensive coordinator Dennis Allen another physical, turnover-driven presence on the outside.
Takeaways were a defining trait of Chicago’s success in 2025.
Douglas has built his career on creating them, including against the Bears during his Packers tenure.
There’s also some added intrigue to the idea.
If the Bears want experienced depth without overspending, signing a former Packers playmaker at a bargain price might be exactly the type of savvy move this front office should explore.