2026 Chicago Bears Offseason Thread

[Outshined_One]

Kinda sucks starting this thread up, but it feels refreshing going into an offseason feeling great about the Bears' QB situation.

The Bears will pick 25th in the draft, and they also appear to have flexibility to make improvements through free agency.  We can expect the Bears to focus on the DL and also the OL, with Trapilo's prognosis and recovery timeline likely to dictate how urgently the Bears will look at potential LTs.

[We Got The Whole 9]

Are there any LT we might target via trade like Thuney and Jackson?

[Derwood]

Every mock I've seen has the Bears taking a DE or DT in the 1st

[Soul]

32 minutes ago, We Got The Whole 9 said:

Are there any LT we might target via trade like Thuney and Jackson?

To me, EDGE is a higher priority.  LT is 2nd.  We successfully drafted what was going to be a solid LT in the 2nd round last year and it didn't even take a season to figure that out.  There's real development capability on this coaching staff.  I'm comfortable targeting a 2nd tier prospect in the draft because of this.

I'd go hard for EDGE.  1st round pick, significant moves to acquire in trade UFA, etc.  Need to be able to get pressure with 4 rush.  In my view, that changes the D so much.  That said, 2 1st rounders for Maxx?  I'm not so sure.  Maybe.  I'm gun shy because of Mack.  Packers found out what happens when you bet that much on one guy and he goes down.

[gflore34]

2 minutes ago, Soul said:

To me, EDGE is a higher priority.  LT is 2nd.  We successfully drafted what was going to be a solid LT in the 2nd round last year and it didn't even take a season to figure that out.  There's real development capability on this coaching staff.  I'm comfortable targeting a 2nd tier prospect in the draft because of this.

I'd go hard for EDGE.  1st round pick, significant moves to acquire in trade UFA, etc.  Need to be able to get pressure with 4 rush.  In my view, that changes the D so much.  That said, 2 1st rounders for Maxx?  I'm not so sure.  Maybe.  I'm gun shy because of Mack.  Packers found out what happens when you bet that much on one guy and he goes down.

Hard pass on two 1st rounders for Maxx.  I'd prioritize DL with the first rounder, then go OL, followed by defense - LB/DB.

[We Got The Whole 9]

23 minutes ago, Soul said:

To me, EDGE is a higher priority.  LT is 2nd.  We successfully drafted what was going to be a solid LT in the 2nd round last year and it didn't even take a season to figure that out.  There's real development capability on this coaching staff.  I'm comfortable targeting a 2nd tier prospect in the draft because of this.

I'd go hard for EDGE.  1st round pick, significant moves to acquire in trade UFA, etc.  Need to be able to get pressure with 4 rush.  In my view, that changes the D so much.  That said, 2 1st rounders for Maxx?  I'm not so sure.  Maybe.  I'm gun shy because of Mack.  Packers found out what happens when you bet that much on one guy and he goes down.

We probably see a much better pass rush with healthy DBs. Jaylon and Kyler are critical. Booker and Sweat will produce a lot more if we have better injury luck. I like using the first pick on EDGE, we have a solid rotation to build upon there and slot a rookie in.  Unless the Bears feel Benedet will dramatically improve in pass pro, I would like a plug-n-play type LT to keep Caleb in clean pockets. So I hope Poles looks at those options too.

Edited January 20 by We Got The Whole 9

[WrigleyField 22]

59 minutes ago, We Got The Whole 9 said:

Are there any LT we might target via trade like Thuney and Jackson?

Doubtful.  Right after the Trapillo I just I was saying they should just go top of the market swing tackle money and let that OT and Benedet compete. Give another year to focus on D, let Trapillo rehab and reevaluate into 2027. 

 

After seeing them go Thuney at LT, who knows what Ben will cook up. A competition. Thuney playing outside. Wright to LT, who knows. I definitely don't want to see them do any big trade for a LT (usually takes a 1st), but several years ago Trent Williams went for like a 3rd or 4th. If you could recreate that success, that would be fantastic. 

[SpongeWorthy]

I think the skill group probably ends up looking a lot different than conventional wisdom thinks

Lions did that Gibbs/Laporta draft when everyone screamed defense they kicked Thuney to LT, etc. 

Ben’s a weirdo 

[WrigleyField 22]

There's been lot of buzz about moving DJ Moore either directly for D or recouping picks from a big DL trade. 

And even throwing out any of the narrative from that last route Sunday, it kind of makes a lot of sense.  All the designed DJ stuff Burden can do. You are dropping off a bit on the rest, but there's only one ball and all of Loveland, Burden, and Odunze have opportunity to step up and grow. Loveland will probably be the number 1 target in the O, with or without DJ. 

 

You obviously have to backfill some depth (OZ is a FA) and how agressive you go depends on how you feel about Walker. But man that's a young O skills group with massive potential. 

 

Swift is another interesting decision. In September he looked like an easy cut. Now not so much. 

 

Defense is gonna look way different. 

Edited January 20 by WrigleyField 22

[CubinNY]

Any chance they trade up? 

[The_Achiever]

Seeing a lot of mocks with Kayden McDonald - DT - Ohio State going to the Bears in the first round.

I'll take it. 

Really sucks that Ozzy got hurt, having to address LT is such a pain.   

[WrigleyField 22]

36 minutes ago, CubinNY said:

Any chance they trade up? 

I'd be shocked. 

 

I don't even know who for. I'm not a big college football follower and unlike most years I have not been consuming the early draft content. 

[BigSlick]

Where can I get the meanest motherfuckers at D-End and D-tackle that absolutely wreck the day of my opponents? Are we compelled to overpay for someone like a 29 year old Maxx Crosby? I just want game wreckers. I want guys nobody wants to line up against. If we get a guy like that we instantly become Super Bowl contenders. 

[Rex Buckingham]

17 minutes ago, BigSlick said:

Where can I get the meanest motherfuckers at D-End and D-tackle that absolutely wreck the day of my opponents? 

The Miami Hurricanes defensive line is a good place to start

[Outshined_One]

1 hour ago, CubinNY said:

Any chance they trade up? 

I think it's situational.  If a Top 10 guy they love slips into the 15-20 range, it would make sense, but I have zero idea who would fit the bill.

[gflore34]

13 minutes ago, Rex Buckingham said:

The Miami Hurricanes defensive line is a good place to start

Bain Jr. will long gone but, Akheem Mesidor maybe be there at 25.

[bukie]

It's nice to go into the offseason without concerns about coach or QB for the first time in...ever?

[Tryptamine]

I'm not going to get into the specifics of whether each position needs to be addressed in FA or the draft but in my eyes these are the needs

1) EDGE- They've got Sweat with flashes of Booker, that's it and that isn't near enough

2) Safety- The easy answer is re-signing Byard, but is the money there.

3) LT- I only have this as #3 right now until we know more, which we should before it's draft time

4) LB- Edmunds is likely a cap cut, Edwards has taken a big step back and Sewell tore his Achilles

5) CB- I'm praying Johnson was just hurt, because my god does he look slow and I have zero interest in giving Nashon Wright the pay bump he's going to get

 

Things I'd like to see. 

1) I'm 100% on board with cutting Kmet. He's more or less a blocking TE at this point who is clear the #2 TE and is getting paid way way too much for that role.

2) I want Jahdae Walker to see a lot more snaps next year. If that comes at the cost of DJ so be it.

3) It probably wont happen this offseason, but if not this offseason than the next, RB has to be addressed. Monongai is not a lead back, he's a very good back up and I'm 100% cool with letting Swift walk after 2026. 

[BigSlick]

9 minutes ago, Tryptamine said:

I'm not going to get into the specifics of whether each position needs to be addressed in FA or the draft but in my eyes these are the needs

1) EDGE- They've got Sweat with flashes of Booker, that's it and that isn't near enough

2) Safety- The easy answer is re-signing Byard, but is the money there.

3) LT- I only have this as #3 right now until we know more, which we should before it's draft time

4) LB- Edmunds is likely a cap cut, Edwards has taken a big step back and Sewell tore his Achilles

5) CB- I'm praying Johnson was just hurt, because my god does he look slow and I have zero interest in giving Nashon Wright the pay bump he's going to get

 

Things I'd like to see. 

1) I'm 100% on board with cutting Kmet. He's more or less a blocking TE at this point who is clear the #2 TE and is getting paid way way too much for that role.

2) I want Jahdae Walker to see a lot more snaps next year. If that comes at the cost of DJ so be it.

3) It probably wont happen this offseason, but if not this offseason than the next, RB has to be addressed. Monongai is not a lead back, he's a very good back up and I'm 100% cool with letting Swift walk after 2026. 

Yeah lots I agree with here. I'd be ok with keeping Kmet if he's open to a restructure - it's not for nothing that he knows the system, is still shockingly young, blocks well, etc. You're gonna need to replace him with someone and Smythe I don't think can play that role. 

I also agree on RB. Swift had a great year but I dunno how much you can expect him to keep it up - I'd love to draft someone that can be a lead back. Monangai rocks but I just don't think he has the size or versatility to be that guy. 

[Banedon]

I would like to confess to over-reacting to some things this season...specifically Dennis Allen.  I was trying to give him grace with the injuries and lack of depth, but midway through that Green Bay game, I was ready to be done with him.  I didn't see him providing value.

I was wrong.  That dude figured it out in the last 6 quarters (and OT) and I'm excited to see what he can do next year with some personnel changes.

[Banedon]

[WrigleyField 22]

Needs

1. Safety. It's not the most important position compared to others, but it literally has no returning guys under contract

2. DT. This is a bigger need than edge IMO. Hopefully the draft lines up to address it early as I think there are some better EDGE FA or trade options

3. LT. Trapillo injury bumped this up, but it's still close with next two

4. EDGE. It's odd for it to be this low, but I think if you really address the above needs it could be addressed with good depth. That said, the most realistic move might be a big trade here and flow the D improvements downstream of pass rush. But Sweat/Booker are a better starting point than rest of D. 

5. LB. Edwards is probably done. Of course he has 10M guaranteed due to the head scratching extension, but for a guy already slowing down, he's either totally or functionally done.  They have options on Edmunds. Hell be overpaid, but they could keep him ans pair him with a resigned Jackson on the cheap and/or some young guys. If they do cut Edmunds this goes above EDGE in need. 

 

The cap situation is fine as long as Poles understands it. Hopefully Ben explains it to him, I don't know. 

[raw]

3 hours ago, Soul said:

To me, EDGE is a higher priority.  LT is 2nd.  We successfully drafted what was going to be a solid LT in the 2nd round last year and it didn't even take a season to figure that out.  There's real development capability on this coaching staff.  I'm comfortable targeting a 2nd tier prospect in the draft because of this.

I'd go hard for EDGE.  1st round pick, significant moves to acquire in trade UFA, etc.  Need to be able to get pressure with 4 rush.  In my view, that changes the D so much.  That said, 2 1st rounders for Maxx?  I'm not so sure.  Maybe.  I'm gun shy because of Mack.  Packers found out what happens when you bet that much on one guy and he goes down.

Edge is the glamourous DL position, but I think DT is a bigger need. Edge at least has Sweat, Booker, Dayo, Hardy (ERFA) and Turner was moved out there before injury. Obviously, most of those guys suck, but at least there are bodies there.

At DT, you have Jarrett and Dexter only under contract. Jarrett is a shadow of his former self (was much better last 6 weeks though) and Dexter is what he is at this point and a FA after 2026. 

That being said, if you can get a multiplier at Edge, then that is the priority to me. If you can get a true star then that makes everyone better on the DL, and you do have guys like Dayo and Turner who can play interior to help there. But you aren't getting THAT guy at 25 most likely (TBF though, Falcons traded this year's 1 to get 10.5 sacks from their pick at 24 this past draft). But you likely get the best DT on your roster at that same spot. 

Maxx isn't worth 2 1sts IMO. Parsons got 2 1s and a player, Maxx is older, not quite as good, and already has a big contract that you have to figure out how to fit in your cap space. That lessens his value.

[minnesotacubsfan]

2 hours ago, gflore34 said:

Bain Jr. will long gone but, Akheem Mesidor maybe be there at 25.

This draft is a good one for the EDGE pos, the Bears will likely have a quality option at 25. My question is, since it is deep at that position, do you sign a guy like Mack, draft the best T at 25, and take an EDGE later, kind of like they did with Ozzie last draft?

Edited January 20 by minnesotacubsfan

[minnesotacubsfan]

I think a stud DT (3 tech) would be a great get, but I think that’s going to be harder to do this offseason than getting a quality EDGE.