As the Chicago Bears gear up for the new season, they're riding a wave of momentum, but the NFC North promises to be anything but a leisurely stroll. Head Coach Ben Johnson, once a key figure under Dan Campbell in Detroit, finds himself in a familiar rivalry that's heating up.
Despite topping the division last season, the Bears couldn't crack the code against the Lions, dropping both regular-season clashes. That sting still fuels the fire within the organization.
The rivalry could intensify if Detroit snags former Bears edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. Though not a marquee name, Tryon-Shoyinka, a 2021 first-round pick, has shown glimpses of potential. His travels from Tampa Bay to Cleveland and then Chicago illustrate a player in search of the right fit.
The prospect of Tryon-Shoyinka joining a division rival adds a layer of intrigue, especially with his knowledge of Chicago's schemes still fresh.
ESPN’s early power rankings have Chicago at No. 11 and Detroit at No. 7, highlighting the tight race between these contenders.
Courtney Cronin notes, “This is one of the quieter offseasons for the Bears in recent history. With Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams at the helm, they’ve established a winning culture to build on.”
Chicago's focus on bolstering their pass rush continues as they reshape the roster. Last season, the defense struggled to apply pressure, ranking 21st in the league with just 2.1 sacks per game.
General Manager Ryan Poles has been proactive, adding depth with Neville Gallimore, James Lynch, and Kentavius Street along the defensive line, while also strengthening the linebacker and secondary units.
The Bears are eyeing a proven pass rusher, and Cameron Jordan is a standout candidate. The veteran, now 36, shares a strong connection with Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen from their New Orleans days.
During their time together from 2015 to 2021, Jordan posted impressive stats, consistently maintaining a Pro Football Focus grade above 82.0, with 92.5 sacks and 320 solo tackles.
Financial constraints are tight, with just $243K in cap space, but projections suggest a one-year deal for Jordan at $6.8 million is feasible with contract restructuring.
While age poses a risk, Jordan’s recent performance is reassuring. Even with limited snaps last season, he recorded 10.5 sacks and earned a solid PFF grade, ranking 24th among edge rushers.
Adding a veteran like Jordan wouldn’t solve all problems but could inject immediate impact and leadership as the Bears strive to forge a stronger defensive identity.