As the Chicago Bears prepare for minicamp, head coach Ben Johnson is closely evaluating the roster. When he does, it's clear the team is still lacking in one department.
The Bears have yet to address their struggling pass rush. Which is why free agent edge rusher Von Miller has been deemed a perfect free agent fit for Chicago, via Matt Bowen of ESPN.
“The Bears are awaiting the return of edge rushers Dayo Odeyingbo (Achilles) and Shemar Turner (torn ACL), and the team didn't take an edge rusher in the draft,” Bowen wrote. “That could open the door for Miller as a sub-package defender for Chicago. At this stage of his career, Miller is best used as a true designated pass rusher. He had a team-high nine sacks for the Commanders last season.”
Chicago finished their 2025 campaign with 35 sacks, tied for fifth-fewest in the NFL. Miller put up nine sacks in his 17 games with the Washington Commanders. Had he been on the Bears, they would've had the eighth-most sacks.
Article Continues Below
Miller will be entering his age 37 season if he plays in 2026. But he has proven he still has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Outside of the 2023 campaign, the pass rusher has at least five sacks in every season of his 14-year career. In terms of his overall run, Miller is a eight-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP.
Montez Sweat recorded 10 sacks in 2025. But prior to his performance, the Bears didn't have a 10+ sack performance since 2021, when Robert Quinn put up 18. Chicago has been searching for a running mate for Sweat ever since his arrival.
At this stage of his career, Miller may not give you every-down value. But he knows how to get to the quarterback. And that's exactly what the Bears need.
As the Chicago Bears prepare for minicamp, head coach Ben Johnson is closely evaluating the roster. When he does, it's clear the team is still lacking in one department. The Bears have yet to address their struggling pass rush. Which is why free agent edge rusher Von Miller has been deemed a perfect free agent fit for Chicago, via Matt Bowen of ESPN.