The Chicago Bears made significant strides in 2025, particularly on offense under the guidance of Ben Johnson. The team found a rhythm, blending consistency with explosive plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
However, the defense, led by Dennis Allen, told a different tale. While they excelled at forcing turnovers, their performance on a play-by-play basis left much to be desired.
This offseason, General Manager Ryan Poles faces the task of bolstering the defense to elevate the Bears from an exciting team to a legitimate contender.
One area demanding attention is the pass rush. With just 35 sacks in 2025, the Bears ranked in the lower half of the league. Rather than splurging in free agency or using a high draft pick, the Bears might find a gem in former University of Florida standout Dante Fowler Jr., potentially at a bargain price.
Dante Fowler Jr. could be the Bears' answer to their pass-rushing woes. Once a top-five draft pick, Fowler was known for his explosive speed and agility off the edge. Despite not quite living up to the early hype in his NFL career, he has shown flashes of brilliance.
In his decade-long career, Fowler has achieved double-digit sacks in three seasons, but consistency has eluded him as he's moved from team to team. Now at 31, Fowler is more of a seasoned veteran than a long-term solution.
Yet, that might be precisely what the Bears need. Fowler's ability to inject energy into the pass rush, especially on critical downs, could be invaluable. Although his sack numbers in 2025 weren't eye-catching, a pass rush win rate of 14.3% indicates he's still capable of pressuring quarterbacks.
Moreover, Fowler has developed as a run defender over the years. While the Bears might not need him on every down, his versatility could prove useful when called upon.
While big names like Maxx Crosby have been linked to the Bears, the team may not be ready to invest heavily in such high-profile acquisitions. Instead, taking a calculated risk on a player like Fowler could be a savvy move to enhance their pass rush without breaking the bank.