As the NFL calendar inches closer to March and the offseason gears up, every team is looking for that one move to push them over the top. For the Chicago Bears-fresh off their best season in over a decade-the window is open, and the opportunity is real.
They're no longer rebuilding; they're reloading. And one name that could help them take that next step?
Von Miller.
The veteran pass rusher is expected to hit the open market, with reports indicating that the Washington Commanders won’t bring him-or wide receiver Deebo Samuel-back in 2026. That opens a door for teams like the Bears, who are still looking to solidify their pass rush. And let’s be clear: Miller may not be the All-Pro force he once was, but he still knows how to get to the quarterback-and that’s something Chicago desperately needs.
Why Von Miller to Chicago Makes Sense
Miller’s resume speaks for itself. A Super Bowl MVP.
Eight-time Pro Bowler. Two-time champion.
And 138.5 career sacks to his name. He’s not just a future Hall of Famer-he’s a player who still believes he can make a difference on a contender.
That’s been the theme of the latter part of Miller’s career. After a storied run in Denver, capped by a dominant Super Bowl 50 performance, he was traded to the Rams and helped bring another Lombardi Trophy to Los Angeles.
Then came the move to Buffalo, where the goal was clear: help Josh Allen and the Bills finally break through. The title didn’t come, but the Bills were a playoff fixture during his time there.
Most recently, Miller had a short stint in Washington, but it’s clear he’s looking for one more shot at a ring.
That’s where Chicago comes in.
The Bears are no longer a team on the rise-they’ve arrived. After a playoff run that reignited belief in the franchise, they’re now a legitimate destination for veterans chasing a championship. And for Miller, who’s been selective about where he plays, the Bears offer the kind of opportunity he’s looking for: a team with momentum, a strong locker room, and a defense that could use exactly what he brings.
The Fit: Miller + Sweat = Trouble for Opposing Offenses
Let’s talk fit, because this isn’t just about adding a big name. It’s about solving a real problem.
The Bears finished last season with just 35 sacks-22nd in the league. That’s not going to cut it if they want to hang with the NFC’s best.
Montez Sweat was a bright spot, but he needs help on the other edge. That’s where Miller comes in.
Even at this stage of his career, Miller can still win one-on-one matchups, disrupt timing, and force offenses to adjust. Pairing him with Sweat gives Chicago a pass-rushing tandem that can tilt the field-especially in the playoffs, where games are often decided by one or two key pressures.
And it’s not just about sacks. Miller brings leadership, championship experience, and a mindset that can elevate a young, hungry defense.
This is a guy who’s been in the biggest moments and delivered. That matters.
The Cap Crunch-and Why It’s Worth Navigating
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the money. The Bears are currently $10.69 million over the cap.
So yes, signing Miller would require some financial maneuvering. But if you’re GM Ryan Poles, this is the kind of move you make room for.
Whether it’s restructuring contracts, moving on from non-essential pieces, or getting creative with incentives, there are ways to make it work.
Because this isn’t just about adding a player-it’s about signaling to the locker room and the league that the Bears are all-in.
Even if the deal doesn’t happen, the fact that Chicago is in the conversation for a player like Miller shows how far the franchise has come. They’re no longer chasing respect-they’re earning it. And if they want to take that final leap to Super Bowl contention, adding a proven winner like Von Miller could be the move that gets them there.
Bottom line: If the Bears want to get over the hump, bringing in Von Miller isn’t just a good idea-it’s a move that could define their 2026 season.