Can the Bears 26-Year-Old Pass Rusher Rediscover His Best Form in 2026?
One of the biggest storylines for the Bears during the offseason has been the defense. The unit was the team's clear weakness last season, as they struggled to put up any real resistance against either the pass or the run. Chicago has invested considerable effort in improving its secondary and linebacker cores, but the defensive line has been neglected. Instead, they are focusing on developing the current options on the team. One of the key players to keep an eye on is Dayo Odeyingbo.
Odeyingbo enters 2026 as one of the Bears with the most to prove, due to the disappointing season this past year. Last offseason, the 26-year-old pass rusher was one of the top acquisitions. In his time with the Colts, he showed promise, including an eight-sack season in 2023. However, before his injury last year, the veteran struggled to live up to the hype, recording only one sack in eight games. Part of this may have been due to adjusting to a new system, but it was still not a good look. However, there are some reasons to believe that he could be in for an improved year.
The 26-year-old pass rusher is set to be far more familiar with the system. 2025 was his first season away from the Colts, so he had to adjust to both the city and the new system. Now, he will hopefully be more comfortable under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, having two offseasons to learn the plays. Also, while the injury was tough, it ensured Odeyingbo could focus on strengthening his mindset. Without much physical activity, the former second-round pick had time to learn the playbook. Additionally, he may be more motivated than ever to show that he is still capable of playing at a high level.
One factor that could also work in Odeyingbo's favor is the talent surrounding him. If the Bears' secondary takes a step forward as expected, quarterbacks may be forced to hold onto the ball longer, creating more opportunities for the pass rush. A healthier linebacker group could also help generate more favorable situations on passing downs. Even if Chicago did not make major additions along the defensive line, improvements elsewhere on defense could indirectly boost the 26-year-old pass rusher's production. That kind of complementary football could help him get back to being the disruptive defender the Bears expected when they signed him.
Ultimately, 2026 feels like a pivotal season for Odeyingbo. He has already shown in his career that he can be a productive pass rusher, but he now needs to prove that last season was an exception rather than the beginning of a decline. If he can stay healthy and capitalize on his increased comfort in Allen's scheme, there is a realistic path to a bounce-back campaign. The Bears are counting on internal development along the defensive line, making the veteran edge rusher one of the most important players on the defense this season. If he can rediscover the form that made him such an intriguing free-agent addition, Chicago's defense could take a significant step forward in 2026.
