The Bears’ biggest lingering question is still sitting right at the front of the defense: who’s going to bring a real, steady pass rush opposite Montez Sweat?
Chicago has plenty of faith in Montez Sweat, but the rest of the group is still largely unproven, with younger players getting their shot because the depth chart is thin. That’s why Josh Sweat has stayed in the conversation all offseason as a possible target, along with Maxx Crosby. The difference is that Josh Sweat has been floated as a trade candidate, though it remains unclear whether Arizona is actually willing to move him.
The appeal is obvious. Sweat put up 12.0 sacks in the 2025 season even while playing on an Arizona Cardinals defense that didn’t exactly give him much help. It’s easy to picture what he could do in Dennis Allen’s defense if he were dropped into a better situation.
But for Chicago, the next step may come sooner than expected. Training camp should start to answer two separate questions that matter just as much as the player himself.
First, can the Bears realistically get in the chase if Arizona shows any willingness to discuss trade packages? Given where the Cardinals sit among expected contenders, it would be a surprise if they didn’t at least consider a move.
Second, and just as important, the Bears need to see what they already have. After getting this far into the year without a major addition, it makes more sense to let training camp and the early preseason reveal whether the current group can hold up.
If Chicago gets clear signs that Austin Booker is ready for a breakout season, that could be enough to slow any push for a top pass rusher until the trade deadline. Booker looks like the best internal bet to emerge as a real difference-maker alongside Montez Sweat.
That’s where things stand for Chicago: one obvious weakness, one veteran answer potentially available, and a training camp that should help determine whether the Bears need to act or can afford to wait.
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