What Are the Biggest Remaining Needs for the 2026 Chicago Bears?
Following a strong showing in 2026, the Chicago Bears have begun to assemble a roster designed for even greater future success. They have addressed several key positions over the past year, giving them a stronger foundation on both sides of the ball. Despite this, there are still plenty of positions that can be improved. Whether through free agency, a trade, or internal development, the Bears still have opportunities to strengthen their lineup. If Chicago hopes to take the next step as a legitimate contender, addressing these remaining needs could make all the difference.
Edge Rusher
Throughout the entire 2026 offseason, the defensive line has remained a cause for concern. The biggest reason for this is the lack of production from edge rushers. Over the past few seasons, Chicago has failed to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, allowing offenses to complete long passes easily. The Bears have put a lot of work into improving their defense, which was the biggest weakness last season. However, at edge rusher, they have not added much. One of the few bright sides is that they do have some returning talent, but it may be relying too much on internal growth to make a meaningful impact in 2026.
Montez Sweat and Austin Booker are set to lead the group, and both have shown they can make a splash on defense. After a rough season and injuries, Dayo Odeyingbo looks to live up to the hype that the team had when signing him last offseason. Ideally, these three will form a promising rotation. When looking at that, it does make a little sense as to why Chicago did not deplete their resources to add another player. However, the uncertainty makes it difficult to trust them. If they are not able to live up to the hope, then the Bears are once again set to see a lack of pressure in the pass game. As a result, this could lead to another rough year for the defense, which could hold the team back in 2026.
Defensive Tackle
Staying on the defensive line, the tackle position is in almost the same spot. The Bears have both Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett returning in 2026, and they are set to be the starters. Unfortunately, the rest of the unit is full of serviceable depth options but lacks difference makers. Just like the edge rushers, it is counting on internal development. If this does not happen, then it is difficult to see the defense taking a step forward. Chicago would struggle to stop the run, and when combined with the inability to get a consistent pass rush, it would lead to massive struggles. The offense can only carry the load so much, so the Bears could see regression in 2026 if the internal development doesn’t happen.
Honorable Mentions
Outside the defensive line, the Bears have done a good job filling holes on the roster. Although it is never a bad idea to improve the roster whenever you get the chance. However, there are a few positions that could use the depth more than others. One of those is the wide receiver room, which, after the trade of D.J. Moore, is set to look vastly different. Luther Burden is looking to take the next step and become the team's top receiver. Additionally, Rome Odunze is set for an expanded role. Both of these carry a ton of potential, so in a few months, adding extra bodies to the receiver room may be an afterthought. Despite this, it does not hurt to add some extra competition at the moment. Right now, Chicago is betting on growth, but that could backfire, making upgrades an intriguing idea.
Another position that may need extra help is cornerback. There is plenty of talent, as Jaylon Johnson looks to rebound from injuries and take the unit to the next level. Despite the upside at the position, last season proved how the unit could fall apart quickly due to injuries and poor play. In addition to Johnson, Kyler Gordon has struggled with injuries, so it is hard to count on him to stay on the field for the entire season. Behind these two stars, there is a lot of uncertainty around who can step up and stay healthy. As with the wide receiver position, there is enough talent that you do not need to add a difference-maker. However, it is an area to keep an eye on as we approach the start of the season.
Chicago has done a good job filling out the roster, as most of the team is in a good spot, aside from the defensive line. Edge rusher and defensive tackle could both use some serious help, but luckily, following a strong 2026 showing, the Chicago Bears have begun assembling a roster designed for even greater future success. They have addressed several key positions over the past year, giving them a stronger foundation on both sides of the ball. Despite this, there are still plenty of positions that can be improved. Whether through free agency, a trade, or internal development, the Bears still have opportunities to strengthen their lineup. If Chicago hopes to take the next step as a legitimate contender, addressing these remaining needs could make all the difference.
Edge Rusher
Throughout the entire 2026 offseason, the defensive line has remained a cause for concern. The biggest reason for this is the lack of production from edge rushers. Over the past few seasons, Chicago has failed to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, allowing offenses to complete long passes easily. The Bears have put a lot of work into improving their defense, which was the biggest weakness last season. However, at edge rusher, they have not added much. One of the few bright sides is that they do have some returning talent, but it may be relying too much on internal growth to make a meaningful impact in 2026.
Montez Sweat and Austin Booker are set to lead the group, and both have shown they can make a splash on defense. After a rough season and injuries, Dayo Odeyingbo looks to live up to the hype that the team had when signing him last offseason. Ideally, these three will form a promising rotation. When looking at that, it does make a little sense as to why Chicago did not deplete their resources to add another player. However, the uncertainty makes it difficult to trust them. If they are not able to live up to the hope, then the Bears are once again set to see a lack of pressure in the pass game. As a result, this could lead to another rough year for the defense, which could hold the team back in 2026.
Defensive Tackle
Staying on the defensive line, the tackle position is in almost the same spot. The Bears have both Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett returning in 2026, and they are set to be the starters. Unfortunately, the rest of the unit is full of serviceable depth options but lacks difference makers. Just like the edge rushers, it is counting on internal development. If this does not happen, then it is difficult to see the defense taking a step forward. Chicago would struggle to stop the run, and when combined with the inability to get a consistent pass rush, it would lead to massive struggles. The offense can only carry the load so much, so the Bears could see regression in 2026 if the internal development doesn’t happen.
Honourable Mentions
Outside the defensive line, the Bears have done a good job filling holes on the roster. Although it is never a bad idea to improve the roster whenever you get the chance. However, there are a few positions that could use the depth more than others. One of those is the wide receiver room, which, after the trade of D.J. Moore, is set to look vastly different. Luther Burden is looking to take the next step and become the team's top receiver. Additionally, Rome Odunze is set for an expanded role. Both of these carry a ton of potential, so in a few months, adding extra bodies to the receiver room may be an afterthought. Despite this, it does not hurt to add some extra competition at the moment. Right now, Chicago is betting on growth, but that could backfire, making upgrades an intriguing idea.
Another position that may need extra help is the cornerback position. There is plenty of talent, as Jaylon Johnson looks to rebound from injuries and take the unit to the next level. Despite the upside at the position, last season proved how the unit could fall apart quickly due to injuries and poor play. In addition to Johnson, Kyler Gordon has struggled with injuries, so it is hard to count on him to stay on the field for the entire season. Behind these two stars, there is a lot of uncertainty around who can step up and stay healthy. As with the wide receiver position, there is enough talent that you do not need to add a difference-maker. However, it is an area to keep an eye on as we approach the start of the season.
Chicago has done a good job filling out the roster, as most of the team is in a good spot, aside from the defensive line. Edge rusher and defensive tackle could both use some serious help, but luckily, the team does have a few quality options. Regardless of the current player, those units are the biggest needs going forward. Some of the other positions on the team, like receiver and cornerback, could use extra bodies, but it is not something Chicago needs to be aggressive about. While the Bears have addressed many of their biggest weaknesses over the past year, there is still room to improve before the 2026 season begins. If Chicago can add depth along the defensive line while continuing to develop its young talent, the roster will be in an even stronger position to compete for a playoff spot. The team does have a few quality options. Regardless of the current player, those units are the biggest needs going forward. Some of the other positions on the team, like receiver and cornerback, could use extra bodies, but it is not something Chicago needs to be aggressive about. While the Bears have addressed many of their biggest weaknesses over the past year, there is still room to improve before the 2026 season begins. If Chicago can add depth along the defensive line while continuing to develop its young talent, the roster will be in an even stronger position to compete for a playoff spot.
