DL Jonathan Allen
Getty
DL Jonathan Allen
According toESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, theMinnesota Vikings are expected to release veteran defensive tackleJonathan Allen in a move that will clear roughly $6.5 million in cap space.
TheChicago Bears, meanwhile, are coming off a breakthrough 11-6 season in 2025 that included an NFC North title and the franchise’s first playoff win in 15 years. But the year also exposed one clear need… The interior defensive line.
The Bearsfinished tied for 22nd in sacks (35) and 27th in rushing yards allowed per game (134.5)… That’s where Jonathan Allen could enter the picture.
Another fun layer to this is that Allen already has chemistry withMontez Sweat back from their days together playing for theWashington Commanders…
Sweat came to the Bears in 2023 via trade and has since become the centerpiece of Chicago’s pass rush, finishing 2025 with 10 sacks, 18 quarterback hits and 13 tackles for loss while forcing three fumbles.
“He’s a guy that we count on,”Johnson said late in the season. “I know the sack numbers is what everybody looks at when it comes to edge rushers, and he’s at double digits. He’s played really good football in that regard, but as I’ve told him, as the year has gone along, for me it’s not just the sacks, it’s also the pressures and the quarterback hits.
Adding Allen next to him could help replicate the inside – out pressure the two once created together, and potentially give Chicago’s defensive front another major boost heading into 2026.
Defensive tackle remains a need for Chicago
DL Jonathan Allen
GettyDL Jonathan Allen
Gervon Dexter Sr. emerged as the Chicago Bears most productive tackle last year, finishing with a career best seven sacks and 44 tackles.
ButGrady Jarrett wasn’t great, finishing with just three sacks while playing just over 600 snaps. And depth remains a concern with free agents likeAndrew Billings most likely departing.
Even further, young linemanShemar Turner will be returning from a torn ACL that limited him to five not so productive games as a rookie so the plan with him is uncertain.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Allen appeared in all 17 games in 2025, finishing with 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Minnesota’s decision to move on appears more financial than performance based.
A move that could strengthen Chicago and hurt a rival
DL Jonathan Allen
GettyDL Jonathan Allen
Signing Jonathan Allen would offer more than just roster depth. It would also give the Bears an opportunity to capitalize on a division rival’s cap driven decision. Strengthen the D-line + Hurt a rival.
If Chicago were to bring Allen into the fold, it would not only improve their interior pass rush but also add a proven veteran who is already familiar with playing alongside Sweat. Sure age is a concern (Allen is 31 years old), but that kind of continuity could accelerate the impact of the Bears’ defensive front under coordinator Dennis Allen.
For a team looking to build on its breakthrough season, the chance to add a former Pro Bowl caliber defensive tackle, especially one released by a division rival, might be too good for the Chicago Bears to ignore.