The Chicago Bears took a big step forward this season. They captured the NFC North crown for the first time since 2018, broke a playoff drought dating back to 2020, and even notched a postseason win-their first since 2010.
That’s progress, no doubt. But if you watched closely, you also saw the cracks that kept them from going further.
And now, with Ben Johnson heading into his second offseason as head coach, the mission is clear: patch the holes and build on the momentum.
Let’s start with the defense-specifically, the pass rush. It just wasn’t good enough.
Montez Sweat did his part, racking up 10 of the team’s 35 sacks, but the drop-off behind him was steep. Austin Booker, who played in just 10 games, was the next man up in the sack column.
That’s not going to cut it if the Bears want to compete with the NFC’s elite offenses.
That’s why you can expect general manager Ryan Poles to make bolstering the defensive front a top priority this offseason. Whether it’s through free agency, the draft, or a combination of both, the Bears need more juice off the edge. And at this point, all options are on the table.
One name that’s already being floated around as a potential fit? A familiar face: Khalil Mack.
Yes, that Khalil Mack-the same guy who headlined the Bears’ defense from 2018 to 2021 and helped turn them into a fearsome unit. Mack’s name came up in an early projection of 2026 free agent landing spots, and the Bears were pegged as a possible destination.
Here’s the thinking: Mack still has something left in the tank, and Chicago could use a veteran presence who can contribute without breaking the bank. It’s a logical match on paper.
Now, Mack is nearing 35 and has openly talked about retirement following the Chargers’ playoff exit. But that’s become a bit of an annual tradition for him. He’s still chasing that elusive Super Bowl ring, and as long as that fire’s still burning, he’ll have teams interested.
In fact, there was already some buzz about a potential Chicago return last year. At the 2025 NFL Combine, reports surfaced that Mack had interest in reuniting with the Bears. The idea wasn’t for him to be the centerpiece of the defense again, but rather a complementary piece-someone who brings leadership, experience, and situational impact.
And while his 17-sack season in 2023 raised some eyebrows, a deeper dive into the tape and analytics showed a more tempered picture. Over the last two seasons, he’s totaled 11.5 sacks, but he’s still producing at a high level in other areas.
His pass rush win rate this season was 13.2%, and he earned a top-12 run defense grade among edge rushers from Pro Football Focus. Overall, PFF graded him as the 16th-best edge rusher in the league.
Last offseason, Mack signed a one-year, $18 million deal with the Chargers. Spotrac currently projects his market value around $18.4 million for another one-year stint.
But whether he actually commands that number this time around is a different story. Age, wear and tear, and team cap situations could all factor into a more modest deal.
For the Bears, any potential reunion would hinge on the price. They’re not likely to drop $18 million on a 35-year-old edge rusher, even one with Mack’s pedigree. But if the number comes down-and if Mack’s open to a rotational role on a young, ascending defense-then it becomes a conversation worth having.
Bottom line: Chicago needs more firepower up front, and Khalil Mack, even in the twilight of his career, could still bring value. Whether it’s Mack or someone else, the Bears are in the market for help on the edge.
And with a playoff win under their belt and a division title in hand, they’re not looking to take a step back. They’re looking to level up.