The Chicago Bears head into the 2026 offseason with something they haven’t had in a while - leverage. After a year that saw some progress but also exposed key defensive shortcomings, general manager Ryan Poles has options on the table, and fans are eager to see him turn potential into production.
Let’s be clear: the Bears' pass rush didn’t get the job done in 2025. Despite acquiring Montez Sweat, who gave them 10 sacks and a much-needed edge presence, the unit still finished with just 35 sacks over 17 games - bottom 10 in the league.
That’s not going to cut it in a conference stacked with elite quarterbacks. And while Sweat brought some juice off the edge, he needs a running mate - someone who can consistently collapse the pocket from the opposite side and make offenses uncomfortable.
The secondary had its own rollercoaster ride. Injuries to Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon left the unit scrambling midseason, prompting the addition of C.J.
Gardner-Johnson. He brought energy and playmaking ability, and Nahshon Wright stepped up in spots, but the Bears still finished 22nd in pass defense, allowing over 227 yards per game through the air.
That’s not the level of performance you want from a defense trying to establish itself as a playoff-caliber unit.
Now, as the offseason kicks into gear, the Bears have several key defenders hitting free agency - including Gardner-Johnson, Wright, Kevin Byard, and Jaquan Brisker. That opens the door for some serious retooling on the back end, and if Poles wants to make a splash, there are trade options worth exploring.
Three Trade Targets That Could Reshape Chicago’s Defense
According to league buzz, three names have emerged as potential trade targets for the Bears: Maxx Crosby (Raiders), Budda Baker (Cardinals), and Kayvon Thibodeaux (Giants). Each brings a different skill set and price tag, but all three could help elevate Chicago’s defense in a big way.
Maxx Crosby, DE - Las Vegas Raiders
Crosby is the headline name here, and for good reason. He’s one of the most relentless edge rushers in the league, and there was noticeable tension between him and the Raiders as the 2025 season wound down. If he becomes available - and that’s still a big “if” - the Bears would be foolish not to pick up the phone.
Pairing Crosby with Montez Sweat would instantly give Chicago one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the NFL. We're talking about two high-motor, double-digit sack guys who can win one-on-one and command double teams.
That kind of presence up front changes everything - it speeds up the quarterback, forces bad throws, and makes life easier for the secondary. Yes, Crosby comes with a hefty contract, but the Bears have cap flexibility and a clear need.
This would be a win-now move with serious upside.
Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE - New York Giants
If Crosby proves too expensive or unavailable, Thibodeaux is an intriguing fallback. The former No. 5 overall pick flashed elite potential in 2023 with 11.5 sacks but hasn’t quite found consistency since. With Brian Burns and emerging rookie Abdul Carter now anchoring the Giants' pass rush, Thibodeaux could be the odd man out.
At just 25 years old, Thibodeaux still has the tools to become a star - length, burst, and the kind of bend you can’t teach. A change of scenery and a new scheme might be exactly what he needs to take the next step. For the Bears, he’d be a high-upside addition who could grow alongside Sweat and become a long-term piece of the defensive core.
Budda Baker, S - Arizona Cardinals
On the back end, the Bears have some decisions to make. Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are both set to hit free agency, and while re-signing one or both is possible, the team could also look to the trade market for stability.
That’s where Budda Baker comes in. The veteran safety has been in and out of trade rumors for years, and with Arizona once again in transition, this could be the offseason he finally moves.
Baker brings leadership, versatility, and a physical edge to the safety spot. He’s the kind of player who can quarterback a secondary, and his instincts in coverage and run support would be a welcome addition to a Bears defense that struggled with consistency on the back end.
Perhaps the biggest selling point? He wouldn’t cost a fortune in draft capital. For a team looking to solidify its secondary without overpaying, Baker makes a lot of sense.
The Path Forward
The Bears are in a position to be aggressive this offseason - and they should be. The defense has some promising pieces, but it’s not a finished product. Whether it’s swinging big for Maxx Crosby, rolling the dice on Kayvon Thibodeaux’s upside, or stabilizing the secondary with a smart move for Budda Baker, Chicago has the opportunity to reshape its identity on defense.
Ryan Poles has shown he’s not afraid to make bold moves. Now, with cap space, trade chips, and a defense that’s close but not quite there, the time is right to take another swing - and this time, connect.