Three Potential Reunions That Could Shape the Bears’ Offseason
The Chicago Bears are heading into one of their most important offseasons in recent memory. After showing real signs of progress under new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears are no longer just rebuilding-they’re reloading. With a young quarterback in Caleb Williams, a talented core, and a fanbase hungry for postseason success, Chicago is in a spot where a few smart moves could elevate them into the NFC’s upper tier.
One of those moves? Reuniting with some familiar faces. Let’s take a look at three players who could make their way back to the Windy City-and why each of them makes sense for a Bears team looking to take the next step.
1. Khalil Mack - A Familiar Force for the Pass Rush
Let’s start with the most obvious fit. Chicago’s pass rush needs help-badly. And there’s a six-time Pro Bowler potentially hitting the open market who knows the city, the franchise, and what it means to wear that “C” on his helmet: Khalil Mack.
Mack’s 2025 season with the Chargers wasn’t his best-he finished with just 5.5 sacks-but don’t let that number fool you. Over the last two years, he’s still managed 11.5 sacks and 26 quarterback hits.
He’s not the same dominant force he was in his prime, but he’s far from washed. In the right role, with a defense that can rotate and keep him fresh, Mack could be a game-changer.
From a team-building standpoint, this reunion makes a lot of sense. The Bears don’t have a ton of cap space, but Mack’s age and recent dip in production could keep his price tag manageable. And for Mack, returning to Chicago offers a shot at redemption-and maybe even a Super Bowl run-with a team that’s finally turning the corner after some tough years.
Bottom line: if Chicago wants to upgrade its edge rush without breaking the bank, bringing Mack home should be near the top of the to-do list.
2. Darnell Mooney - A Trusted Target for Caleb Williams
Darnell Mooney’s time in Atlanta may be coming to an early end. The veteran wideout is under contract for 2026, but the Falcons can save nearly $12 million in cap space by cutting him after June 1. If that happens-and all signs point to it-it could open the door for a return to Chicago.
Why would the Bears want him back? For starters, Mooney knows the system, the city, and the expectations. He also brings chemistry with the organization and could be a stabilizing presence in a receiver room that may look very different next season.
If the Bears move on from DJ Moore, as many expect, they’ll need a reliable third option behind Rome Odunze and Luther Burden. Mooney could be that guy. He’s coming off a rough year, plagued by injury and a lack of rhythm with Falcons rookie QB Michael Penix Jr., but there’s still plenty of upside here-especially at what could be a bargain price.
This wouldn’t be a flashy move, but it’s the kind of smart, low-risk signing that can pay off big. Mooney’s speed, route running, and familiarity with the offense make him a natural fit as a safety valve for Caleb Williams. If the Falcons cut him loose, the Bears should be ready to pounce.
3. Al-Quadin Muhammad - A Rebuilt Rusher Worth Revisiting
Al-Quadin Muhammad’s first stint in Chicago didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet-just one sack during the 2022 season. But fast forward to now, and the former Bear is coming off a breakout campaign in Detroit, posting 11 sacks while playing a key role opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Now set to hit free agency again, Muhammad is suddenly an intriguing option for a Bears defense that needs to boost its pass rush depth. He’s familiar with the organization, he’s improved significantly since his last go-round, and signing him would also weaken a division rival. That’s a win-win-win.
Of course, there’s some risk here. Any time a player hits free agency after a career year, there’s a chance you’re buying high.
But the Bears wouldn’t need him to be the guy-they just need him to be a guy. Someone who can rotate in, pressure the quarterback, and give the defense another weapon off the edge.
If the Bears can’t land Mack, Muhammad becomes a strong Plan B. He’s not the same kind of headline name, but he’s younger, trending up, and would bring valuable production to a unit that’s still trying to find its identity.
Final Thoughts
The Bears are in a unique position this offseason. They’ve got a young quarterback, a creative head coach, and a roster that’s starting to take shape. But to truly contend in 2026, they’ll need to add veteran pieces who can contribute right away-especially on defense and at wide receiver.
Khalil Mack, Darnell Mooney, and Al-Quadin Muhammad all check those boxes. They’re known commodities with ties to the franchise, and each one fills a specific need. Whether it’s bringing back a fan favorite like Mack, giving Mooney a second chance, or betting on Muhammad’s development, these are the kinds of moves that could help push Chicago from promising to playoff-bound.
The Bears don’t need to blow it all up. They just need to build smart. And sometimes, the best way forward is to bring back the right pieces from the past.