The Chicago Bears have kicked off their free agency with a focus on bolstering the interior defensive line. They've brought in Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, and James Lynch to add depth behind Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter, and Shemar Turner.
On paper, this strategy looks solid, but if any of their starters go down, relying on the new additions could be a gamble. The Bears might need to explore more options, either through remaining free agents or the draft.
One name floating around is veteran Christian Wilkins. As reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, Wilkins’ agent, David Mulugheta, confirmed that Wilkins is ready to play this season and has attracted interest from 26 teams. However, whether he’s the right fit for Chicago is up for debate.
Back in 2025, the Bears were struggling with run defense, giving up 164.5 rushing yards per game at the season's start. They tightened up by the end, finishing with 134.5 yards per game, still among the league's highest.
Wilkins could potentially be the answer to solidifying their defense, given his impressive 80.2 Pro Football Focus grade before a Jones fracture sidelined him in 2024. But his injury history raises concerns.
Wilkins' stint with the Las Vegas Raiders was short-lived due to the foot injury that kept him out for all of 2025. He was released after reportedly refusing a follow-up procedure. Additionally, an HR complaint about inappropriate behavior may have influenced his release.
The Bears need to carefully consider if Wilkins aligns with the culture head coach Ben Johnson has cultivated. Johnson has revitalized the team, turning them into NFC contenders in just one season. The last thing they need is to disrupt that momentum.
Wilkins showed promise during his time with the Miami Dolphins, including a standout nine-sack season in 2024. If the Bears believe he can mesh with their system, a visit might be worthwhile. Ultimately, Chicago must decide if adding Wilkins is worth the risk, especially with the positive strides they've made recently.