The 2025 season was a step forward for the Chicago Bears-a season that rekindled hope and gave fans a glimpse of what could be. But for all the magic, there’s no denying the team hit a wall when it mattered most. And if they want to take the next step in 2026, one thing is clear: the pass rush needs a serious upgrade.
Let’s call it like it is-the Bears’ defensive line didn’t get the job done last year. They finished with just 35 sacks on the season, ranking near the bottom of the league.
Only six teams had fewer. That’s not going to cut it in a league where disrupting the quarterback is often the difference between a playoff run and an early exit.
Montez Sweat did his part. He led the team with 10 sacks and was a consistent force on the edge.
But outside of him? Crickets.
Sweat was essentially a one-man wrecking crew, and that’s not sustainable over a 17-game season-especially not if the Bears expect to contend deep into January.
Austin Booker flashed potential, and there’s reason to believe he could develop into a solid contributor over the next couple of years. But counting on upside alone won’t solve the immediate problem. The Bears need help now, and they need it in a big way.
According to Pro Football Focus, Chicago finished 27th in pressure rate and 25th in pass-rush grade. That’s despite pouring significant resources into the defensive line.
Sweat posted a strong 13.3% pass-rush win rate and generated 64 pressures, but he didn’t have much support. Dayo Odeyingbo, a high-priced free-agent addition, managed just 10 pressures before tearing his Achilles.
And Grady Jarrett, another big-name signing, posted a disappointing 56.9 overall PFF grade-not exactly what you want from a player on a $42.75 million deal.
So now the Bears are in a tough spot. General manager Ryan Poles has already spent big on this defensive front. The question is: does he double down and make another splash, or start trimming the fat and moving on from underperforming contracts?
Odeyingbo, in particular, is a concern. He logged just one sack in half a season and hasn’t lived up to expectations since arriving in Chicago. At this point, it’s fair to say he’s been a miss in free agency.
That puts Poles at a crossroads. Do the Bears swing big for a proven pass-rusher like Trey Hendrickson or Maxx Crosby?
Both would be game-changers, but they won’t come cheap. Then again, if the goal is to win now-and it should be-this might be the time to make that kind of move.
There’s also the draft. This year’s edge rusher class is deep, with as many as 10 prospects who could go in the first round.
If Poles wants to build through youth and keep the cap in check, that’s a viable path too. But whether it’s free agency, a blockbuster trade, or a high draft pick, the Bears can’t afford to stand pat.
If 2025 was the year the Bears reminded us they’re on the rise, 2026 needs to be the year they prove they’re ready to stay there. That starts with fixing the pass rush-because if Montez Sweat is still doing it all by himself next season, the Bears will be right back where they were: watching the playoffs from home.