The Chicago Bears are entering the offseason with a clear agenda: bolster the defense, and more specifically, fix the pass rush. And according to league analysts, there's one name that fits the bill better than anyone else on the market - Trey Hendrickson.
Hendrickson, one of the top edge rushers available in free agency, is being linked to Chicago for good reason. Pro Football Focus not only ranked him as the No. 1 free agent at his position but also pegged the Bears as the best landing spot for the veteran pass rusher. When you look at both sides of that equation - Hendrickson’s résumé and Chicago’s needs - the connection makes a lot of sense.
Let’s start with the Bears’ defense. While the offense showed real progress under Ben Johnson, the defense struggled to keep pace.
Chicago ranked 21st in EPA per play, and the pass rush was a glaring weakness. Outside of Montez Sweat, no edge defender on the roster posted a pass-rush win rate above 10.5%.
That lack of disruption up front put a strain on the secondary and ultimately capped the defense’s potential.
Enter Hendrickson. Even in a season shortened by a hip injury - he played just 285 snaps - the veteran still managed to rack up 23 pressures and earned a 90.0 pass-rushing grade from PFF.
That kind of efficiency is rare, especially in limited action. Hendrickson isn’t just a high-motor guy; he’s a technician with a proven track record of production when healthy.
And if he were to reunite with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who knows how to maximize his skill set, the fit becomes even more compelling.
But this isn’t just about signing one player. There’s a growing sense that the Bears could double down at edge rusher - pairing a proven veteran like Hendrickson with a high-upside rookie from the upcoming draft.
That kind of two-pronged approach could quickly turn a weakness into a strength. Imagine a rotation featuring Hendrickson, Sweat, rising young player Austin Booker, and a Day 1 or Day 2 draft pick.
That’s the kind of depth and versatility that gives opposing quarterbacks nightmares.
For a team that’s looking to take the next step - not just into playoff contention, but into the NFC’s upper tier - controlled aggression this offseason could be the key. Add a veteran difference-maker.
Draft a future star. Build a pass rush that can actually dictate games.
The Bears have the cap space, the draft capital, and now, potentially, the perfect opportunity. If they play it right, Chicago’s defense could look very different - and very dangerous - in 2026.