The Chicago Bears' offense dazzled fans throughout 2025, but their defense? Not so much. That's why GM Ryan Poles set his sights on shoring up that side of the ball for 2026, and free agency offered a golden opportunity to bring in some much-needed reinforcements.
Losing key defensive backs like Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson was a blow, and watching the Green Bay Packers quietly snag Benjamin St-Juste in free agency had to sting.
Benjamin St-Juste: A Missed Opportunity for the Bears
With the Bears' secondary in flux, the Packers swooped in and signed St-Juste for a modest two-year deal at $4.9 million per season.
St-Juste's stint with the Chargers saw him make 16 appearances, including two starts, where he tallied 37 tackles, seven passes defensed, and an interception. Those numbers could've been a valuable asset in Chicago, especially under the guidance of DBs coach and defensive pass game coordinator Al Harris, who has a knack for elevating cornerbacks' performances.
While not a superstar, St-Juste is a seasoned pro who could've addressed the Bears' most pressing defensive needs. His Pro Football Focus grade of 75.6 placed him 12th among 114 cornerbacks, showcasing his efficiency even without a starting role.
Defensively, St-Juste allowed just 23 receptions on 43 targets, with a catch rate of 53.5%, 243 yards, and only one touchdown. He was a tackling machine, missing none, and held opposing QBs to a 68.3 passer rating. Add in his three pass breakups and 10 run stops in 111 run-defense snaps, and you see a player who could've made a significant impact.
The Bears struggled last season, giving up the fourth-most total yards per game (361.8), 11th-most passing yards (227.2), and the 10th-most points (24.4). St-Juste's ability to limit big plays was exactly what the doctor ordered, and he was available at a bargain.
Meanwhile, the Packers' secondary just got a whole lot tougher. Last season, the Bears averaged 259.7 passing yards across three matchups with Green Bay, but replicating that success just became a bigger challenge.
Despite this setback, the Bears have the resources to remain competitive in the NFC North. But with the division as fierce as ever, any extra help to defend their title would have been welcome.