Denzel Ward
Getty
Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns.
The Chicago Bears reconfigured their offense to great success last offseason, and after a run to the Divisional Round of the playoffs, the defense is Ben Johnson’s priority this spring.
Cornerback Nahshon Wright also left a hole to be filled on the defense, and Matt Okada of NFL Network suggested a trade for a top veteran defensive back if the team doesn’t add one with pick No. 25 in Round 1.
“It’s probably going to take several more moves, as Chicago needs to not just patch the holes but improve its defense to compete for the division again in 2026,” Okada wrote. “Many mocks have the Bears addressing the defensive line with their first-round pick (No. 25 overall), but drafting Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren there would be a strong addition to the secondary rebuild. An aggressive trade for a starting DB also wouldn’t hurt: I’d make calls for guys like Denzel Ward, Marlon Humphrey, Riley Moss and Budda Baker.”
Ward, who has battled concussion issues throughout his career with the Cleveland Browns, is a five-time Pro Bowler (including the last three years and four out of the past five seasons). He has two campaigns remaining on his five-year, $100.5 million contract heading into 2026.
If healthy, Ward and Jaylon Johnson would form one of the better cornerback duos in the NFL.
Bears Spent Big on Safety Coby Bryant in Free Agency, Still Need to Add to Secondary
Coby Bryant
GettySafety Coby Bryant, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks.
Chicago already added Coby Bryant on a $40 million deal, a high-end safety to replace departed All-Pro Kevin Byard III.
Safety is one of the biggest areas of focus for the Bears in free agency. … Chicago went after Bryant, a Super Bowl champion who has the man coverage skills to be a chess piece in Dennis Allen’s secondary,” Courtney Cronin of ESPN wrote. “Bryant started 15 regular-season games and recorded 66 tackles, four interceptions and a forced fumble. During Seattle’s three playoff games, Bryant amassed 10 tackles.”
As good of an addition as Bryant appears to be, however, the Bears also lost starter Jaquan Brisker and two other safeties this offseason. Given that, Chicago needs to add even more to the defensive backfield beyond Bryant and potentially a trade for a player like Ward.
Several Analysts Predict Bears Will Draft Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in Round 1
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
GettyToldeo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
That is where McNeil-Warren might potentially come in late in Round 1. More and more frequently, draft analysts have predicted Chicago will look at a safety in that spot, and McNeil-Warren is likely the most talented player at the position who will remain on the board in the mid-20s.
“McNeil-Warren has the size, length and playmaking ability to fill the void left by Jaquan Brisker — in fact, I believe EMW would be an upgrade at the position,” Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network wrote.
Using their top pick on McNeil-Warren and trading a mid-rounder for Ward and his hefty contract would represent a significant investment by the Bears in their secondary, particularly after paying Bryant north of $13 million annually.
But Chicago’s defense had several flaws last season, and an inability to slow down the passing attacks of some of the better offenses in the NFC, particularly within the North Division, was more than problematic in 2025.
That said, the Bears also need to add a pass-rusher or two to the mix after tallying just 35 sacks as a defense last season and finishing near the bottom of the league in pass rush win rate and quick pressures.