2026 Chicago Bears Offseason Thread

[NorthsideAvenger]

CJGJ to Buffalo, Brisker to Pitt. 

[Old Style]

Letting everyone walk, eh?

[jersey cubs fan]

10 minutes ago, Old Style said:

Letting everyone walk, eh?

A bad defense doesn’t necessarily need to retain everybody 

[Tryptamine]

Sure sounds like what we've got at LT is what we're going to have week 1 next year. Feels like the first 3 picks are going to be some combination of EDGE/safety/DL  unless there's a Burden situation where they're just too good to pass up.

[UMFan83]

Going position by position where have the Bears gotten better so far? (Understanding there is still the draft and maybe more FA)

QB: Same

RB: Same

WR: Worse

TE: Slightly worse without Smythe but not super impactful

Tackles: Worse

Guards; Same

Center: Worse

DT: maybe slightly better

DE: Same, still bad

LB: Worse but incomplete

CB: Worse

Safety: Incomplete, Bryant an upgrade but still down a starter

KR: Better

Rest of ST: same

[Bobson Dugnutt]

21 minutes ago, UMFan83 said:

Going position by position where have the Bears gotten better so far? (Understanding there is still the draft and maybe more FA)

QB: Same

RB: Same

WR: Worse

TE: Slightly worse without Smythe but not super impactful

Tackles: Worse

Guards; Same

Center: Worse

DT: maybe slightly better

DE: Same, still bad

LB: Worse but incomplete

CB: Worse

Safety: Incomplete, Bryant an upgrade but still down a starter

KR: Better

Rest of ST: same

Yeah, resting on your laurels is a pretty strange approach when your previous year’s success hinged on turnover differential and winning close games.

 

Accepting mediocrity at 2/5 OL positions is also an odd choice when strong OL play was such a key strength of last year’s squad.

[Rex Buckingham]

3 hours ago, UMFan83 said:

Going position by position where have the Bears gotten better so far? (Understanding there is still the draft and maybe more FA)

QB: Same

RB: Same

WR: Worse

TE: Slightly worse without Smythe but not super impactful

Tackles: Worse

Guards; Same

Center: Worse

DT: maybe slightly better

DE: Same, still bad

LB: Worse but incomplete

CB: Worse

Safety: Incomplete, Bryant an upgrade but still down a starter

KR: Better

Rest of ST: same

This doesnt account for improvement, which Caleb seems likely to show in Y2 of the system, as well as Loveland and Burden. It doesnt account for Rome, Jaylon or Kyler returning to full health (in theory)... yeah, I'd like to see some quality vets added, but as someone mentioned earlier there is a long way to go in the offseason

[Geographyhater8888]

What’s the word on Terrell smiths recovery?

[Geographyhater8888]

6 hours ago, Rex Buckingham said:

This doesnt account for improvement, which Caleb seems likely to show in Y2 of the system, as well as Loveland and Burden. It doesnt account for Rome, Jaylon or Kyler returning to full health (in theory)... yeah, I'd like to see some quality vets added, but as someone mentioned earlier there is a long way to go in the offseason

Besides all of the above, Burden and Loveland were given limited snaps in the first 7-9 weeks. They’ll both be a major focal point in the offense starting week 1. Their availability is an upgrade from 2025 much like Gordon and Jaylon, barring health

 

 

Edited March 13 by Geographyhater8888

[BigbadB]

9 hours ago, UMFan83 said:

Going position by position where have the Bears gotten better so far? (Understanding there is still the draft and maybe more FA)

QB: Same

RB: Same

WR: Worse

TE: Slightly worse without Smythe but not super impactful

Tackles: Worse

Guards; Same

Center: Worse

DT: maybe slightly better

DE: Same, still bad

LB: Worse but incomplete

CB: Worse

Safety: Incomplete, Bryant an upgrade but still down a starter

KR: Better

Rest of ST: same

I don't know that I agree with "worse" at CB. One of Cam Lewis, Zah Frazier or Terell Smith should be able  to replace the snaps we got from Nahshon Wright. Wright had some great plays during the season, but he also got badly burned often enough to make it a wash. 

I know you already mentioned the draft, but Loveland, Burden, Trapilo and Monangai ended up closing holes that we were likely discussing after the first wave of free agency last year. So how many "worse" designations will we really have once the draft is complete and the final wave of free agency signings is complete?

Much like last year, most of the guys the Bears signed this year are mostly guys none of us were discussing prior to free agency. It was a much taller task to make room in the budget this year. Dalman returning and a healthy Trapilo sure would have been nice prior to free agency.

I can definitely see the "meh" in the overall additions to the team. I suppose we have to hope that players returning from injury make a bigger impact this year.

I still don't think we can rule out Bagent being traded. 

[bjam12]

1 hour ago, BigbadB said:

I don't know that I agree with "worse" at CB. One of Cam Lewis, Zah Frazier or Terell Smith should be able  to replace the snaps we got from Nahshon Wright. Wright had some great plays during the season, but he also got badly burned often enough to make it a wash. 

I know you already mentioned the draft, but Loveland, Burden, Trapilo and Monangai ended up closing holes that we were likely discussing after the first wave of free agency last year. So how many "worse" designations will we really have once the draft is complete and the final wave of free agency signings is complete?

Much like last year, most of the guys the Bears signed this year are mostly guys none of us were discussing prior to free agency. It was a much taller task to make room in the budget this year. Dalman returning and a healthy Trapilo sure would have been nice prior to free agency.

I can definitely see the "meh" in the overall additions to the team. I suppose we have to hope that players returning from injury make a bigger impact this year.

I still don't think we can rule out Bagent being traded. 

I agree with all of this. The only thing I'm frustrated with is the D-Line, specifically EDGE. You have to think it would be addressed once or twice with our first 4 picks but previous drafts would say otherwise too depending on what's on the draft board at the time. 

[gflore34]

On D, health alone will make a significant difference, Gordon, Johnson and Edwards were all playing hurt.  Getting them and Terrell Smith back healthy will go quite a bit towards improving the D. 

I think most of us are suffering PTSD brought on by previous Bears' coaching ineptitude.  It's leading to thoughts on losing this or that player making them worse.   Have to drop that line of thinking, Bears actually have a good coaching staff.  Whom I'm confident will make the right decisions leading to a successful 2026 season.

[jersey cubs fan]

I’m hesitant to put that much faith into a coaching staff helping with personnel issues. 
 

the bears had this issue in the past, when jerry Angelo put together one of the most talented rosters in the league and Lovie got them to the Super Bowl despite bad qb play. From that point on Lovie had more power in personnel decisions and that was their downfall. 
 

for this to work the GM, scouts and rest of that department has to acquire the right guys and the coaches have to coach them. 

[Rcal10]

12 hours ago, UMFan83 said:

Going position by position where have the Bears gotten better so far? (Understanding there is still the draft and maybe more FA)

QB: Same

RB: Same

WR: Worse

TE: Slightly worse without Smythe but not super impactful

Tackles: Worse

Guards; Same

Center: Worse

DT: maybe slightly better

DE: Same, still bad

LB: Worse but incomplete

CB: Worse

Safety: Incomplete, Bryant an upgrade but still down a starter

KR: Better

Rest of ST: same

With the contracts the guys leaving are signing, I don’t believe the Bears would agree with you on getting worse at positions. They very well could have kept both safeties had they wanted to, and they could have kept Wright. I think the LB they brought in is better than the one they let go. They are worse on the line but that is because of an injury ending Ozzy’s year and an unexpected retirement. And actually IF Jones and the other tackle they brought in are healthy I am not sure they are worse at tackle. Plus they have a draft to improve. They are better right now then they were last year at this time. And Caleb, Loveland and Burden should all improve. I am not too worried about them losing guys from the defense last year, considering it was bad. Maybe, or probably, the defense will be better by replacing those guys and hopefully having more health this year. 

[gflore34]

24 minutes ago, jersey cubs fan said:

I’m hesitant to put that much faith into a coaching staff helping with personnel issues. 
 

the bears had this issue in the past, when jerry Angelo put together one of the most talented rosters in the league and Lovie got them to the Super Bowl despite bad qb play. From that point on Lovie had more power in personnel decisions and that was their downfall. 
 

for this to work the GM, scouts and rest of that department has to acquire the right guys and the coaches have to coach them. 

Totally agree, my point is with this coaching staff there's a far greater chance at success.  Think we all had a pretty good idea that Eberflus had no chance at success.

[Geographyhater8888]

Tommy Harris’s injury is why the defense fell off. They went from a dominant unit to very mortal after his season ending injury in week 13 of 2006. Ron Rivera leaving may or may not have made a difference but they never really played at a high level until signing Peppers.

[bjam12]

I know we are focusing on the defense but we got a 2nd round pick for DJ Moore. That is incredible. We now have 3 picks in the top 60. You would like to think all 3 will push to be starters on this roster. You will feel better about the defense if all 2 or 3 selections are on that side of the ball. 

Edited March 13 by bjam12

[Tryptamine]

3 hours ago, BigbadB said:

I don't know that I agree with "worse" at CB. One of Cam Lewis, Zah Frazier or Terell Smith should be able  to replace the snaps we got from Nahshon Wright. Wright had some great plays during the season, but he also got badly burned often enough to make it a wash. 

I know you already mentioned the draft, but Loveland, Burden, Trapilo and Monangai ended up closing holes that we were likely discussing after the first wave of free agency last year. So how many "worse" designations will we really have once the draft is complete and the final wave of free agency signings is complete?

Much like last year, most of the guys the Bears signed this year are mostly guys none of us were discussing prior to free agency. It was a much taller task to make room in the budget this year. Dalman returning and a healthy Trapilo sure would have been nice prior to free agency.

I can definitely see the "meh" in the overall additions to the team. I suppose we have to hope that players returning from injury make a bigger impact this year.

I still don't think we can rule out Bagent being traded. 

I had to look into it, I had no idea Zah Frazier was finally medically cleared after missing the entire preseason and season last year. I thought it was doubtful he ever suited up for the Bears. 

[UMFan83]

3 hours ago, BigbadB said:

I don't know that I agree with "worse" at CB. One of Cam Lewis, Zah Frazier or Terell Smith should be able  to replace the snaps we got from Nahshon Wright. Wright had some great plays during the season, but he also got badly burned often enough to make it a wash. 

I know you already mentioned the draft, but Loveland, Burden, Trapilo and Monangai ended up closing holes that we were likely discussing after the first wave of free agency last year. So how many "worse" designations will we really have once the draft is complete and the final wave of free agency signings is complete?

Much like last year, most of the guys the Bears signed this year are mostly guys none of us were discussing prior to free agency. It was a much taller task to make room in the budget this year. Dalman returning and a healthy Trapilo sure would have been nice prior to free agency.

I can definitely see the "meh" in the overall additions to the team. I suppose we have to hope that players returning from injury make a bigger impact this year.

I still don't think we can rule out Bagent being traded. 

It's just relying on a lot of hopes and ifs IMO.  Last year's draft was probably one of the most impactful drafts the Bears have ever had.  Coincidentally, every impactful player was offensive right after we hired an offensive mastermind at HC. (though worth pointing out they only picked 2 defensive guys, not Poles' fault Turner got hurt, but Hyppolite was an insane pick).  The previous few drafts were very hit or miss.  The draft will definitely help us improve but I don't know how much we can count on from it, for next year at least.  

The offense should get better, Jaylon and Kyler healthy should be a huge boost (IF they can stay healthy..), but we're also talking about a team that had 7 comebacks in the last 2 minutes of games and benefitted from an huge TO differential (some skill involved but part is often luck) and one of the easiest schedules in the league.  I think we needed to see the team improve more via FA to offset those factors and I don't think we're presently a better team than we were 2 months ago.

We'll see, I could end up being completely wrong on pretty much all of this.

[BigbadB]

Sure would have been nice if those Cunningham picks came through. Couple a compensatory pick in the 3rd that with a 3rd or 4th for Bagent and they would be sitting quite pretty for the draft. 

Last year, I sat there and watched the whole draft waiting for the Bears to take an EDGE. I don't think they can skip that position this time. DL, DE, S, C seem like highly anticipated top 4 picks in this draft. All supposedly strong draft class positions this year. There is estimated to be over 30 "draftable" EDGE rushers in this draft. 

[Rcal10]

22 minutes ago, UMFan83 said:

It's just relying on a lot of hopes and ifs IMO.  Last year's draft was probably one of the most impactful drafts the Bears have ever had.  Coincidentally, every impactful player was offensive right after we hired an offensive mastermind at HC. (though worth pointing out they only picked 2 defensive guys, not Poles' fault Turner got hurt, but Hyppolite was an insane pick).  The previous few drafts were very hit or miss.  The draft will definitely help us improve but I don't know how much we can count on from it, for next year at least.  

The offense should get better, Jaylon and Kyler healthy should be a huge boost (IF they can stay healthy..), but we're also talking about a team that had 7 comebacks in the last 2 minutes of games and benefitted from an huge TO differential (some skill involved but part is often luck) and one of the easiest schedules in the league.  I think we needed to see the team improve more via FA to offset those factors and I don't think we're presently a better team than we were 2 months ago.

We'll see, I could end up being completely wrong on pretty much all of this.

But how were they going to add anyone substantial in FA with being so close to the cap. They had to trade Moore just to clear some money. Had to let Edmunds go to create more. And even then, they couldn’t add top guys like Hendrickson or the center from Baltimore. Honestly, you are down on what they did, but what could they have done? Brought the gang back?  I think they are better right now than they were last year at this same time. Between guys possibly staying healthy and others taking the next step, this is a good team. I agree with you that the schedule will be harder next year. I also agree they won a few games last year where they got lucky. I also agree you can’t count on the draft to fill holes like it did last year. But really what could they have done?🤷

It will be hard to win 11 games again next year. But this FA period wouldn’t change that, regardless of what they did. 

[UMFan83]

20 minutes ago, Rcal10 said:

But how were they going to add anyone substantial in FA with being so close to the cap. They had to trade Moore just to clear some money. Had to let Edmunds go to create more. And even then, they couldn’t add top guys like Hendrickson or the center from Baltimore. Honestly, you are down on what they did, but what could they have done? Brought the gang back?  I think they are better right now than they were last year at this same time. Between guys possibly staying healthy and others taking the next step, this is a good team. I agree with you that the schedule will be harder next year. I also agree they won a few games last year where they got lucky. I also agree you can’t count on the draft to fill holes like it did last year. But really what could they have done?🤷

It will be hard to win 11 games again next year. But this FA period wouldn’t change that, regardless of what they did. 

Well for one, they didn't restructure a single contract.  Based on reports they could have created up to $80m in cap space with the right restructures, they just didn't (hence the chatter that the McCaskey's are cash poor which I don't necessarily agree is the reason here).  I'm fine with not keeping Brisker and Wright.  Sounds like they wanted to keep Byard, he just chose to go to NE.  Cutting Edmunds was the right move.  They really got caught off guard from Dalman's injury and understandably so.  

I'm not necessarily ripping on Poles here.  Maybe a little but its not my primary point here, I was just trying to take a view of position groups to see where the Bears improved or got worse and see if I'm right in my assessments.

[We Got The Whole 9]

1 hour ago, Rcal10 said:

But how were they going to add anyone substantial in FA with being so close to the cap. They had to trade Moore just to clear some money. Had to let Edmunds go to create more. And even then, they couldn’t add top guys like Hendrickson or the center from Baltimore. Honestly, you are down on what they did, but what could they have done? Brought the gang back?  I think they are better right now than they were last year at this same time. Between guys possibly staying healthy and others taking the next step, this is a good team. I agree with you that the schedule will be harder next year. I also agree they won a few games last year where they got lucky. I also agree you can’t count on the draft to fill holes like it did last year. But really what could they have done?🤷

It will be hard to win 11 games again next year. But this FA period wouldn’t change that, regardless of what they did. 

They werent that close to the cap if they did what normal teams do. Regardless, they should have just thrown all their money at Hendricksen instead of Bush and Bryant. So much harder to land a stud pass-rusher in the draft than it is a LB or FS. They were apparently really sniffing around Crosby, so they had the money to sign Trey. Im not sure what theyre doing. Now that the dust has mostly settled, its been pretty underwhelming. I like Bush and Bryant but as ancillary additions. And they could have opened up a lot more money to really upgrade the roster.

[minnesotacubsfan]

16 hours ago, Bobson Dugnutt said:

Yeah, resting on your laurels is a pretty strange approach when your previous year’s success hinged on turnover differential and winning close games.

 

Accepting mediocrity at 2/5 OL positions is also an odd choice when strong OL play was such a key strength of last year’s squad.

considering the D was so terrible, you could look at wholesale change as fine really. As far as O, T was an injury change, C was unexpected retirement, and WR was somewhat expected, DJ was on his way out after the last game.

It would be nice to show more extensive improvement on D, however.

Edited March 13 by minnesotacubsfan

[Rcal10]

5 hours ago, UMFan83 said:

Well for one, they didn't restructure a single contract.  Based on reports they could have created up to $80m in cap space with the right restructures, they just didn't (hence the chatter that the McCaskey's are cash poor which I don't necessarily agree is the reason here).  I'm fine with not keeping Brisker and Wright.  Sounds like they wanted to keep Byard, he just chose to go to NE.  Cutting Edmunds was the right move.  They really got caught off guard from Dalman's injury and understandably so.  

I'm not necessarily ripping on Poles here.  Maybe a little but its not my primary point here, I was just trying to take a view of position groups to see where the Bears improved or got worse and see if I'm right in my assessments.

Doesn’t restructuring deals just kick the can down the road for payroll issues later? Like when they need to sign Caleb and Rome, Loveland and Burden. Besides that, the FO doesn’t control the purse strings. So if the bears are broke or simply the McCaskey’s don’t want to spend the money, really what can Piles do?