Who Needs to Step Up for the Bears Defense to Succeed in 2026?
2025 was one of the most successful seasons in recent history for the Chicago Bears. The offense led the way and carried the team to the playoffs. Chicago put a lot of work into repairing the defense, but some holes remain. The secondary depth is being tested due to countless injuries. Additionally, the defensive line is a major concern, as few improvements have been made to it. The one positive is the amount of talent on defense. If they wish to be successful in 2026, then it could come down to a few key players.
Jaylon Johnson
The top name in the injured secondary will be Jaylon Johnson. In 2025, he showed a few flashes of his elite self, but a groin injury limited him to seven games. The two-time Pro Bowler looks to be healthy heading into this season, which could be massive for Chicago. In his prime, he proved to be a shutdown cornerback. His interception numbers weren't as high as some would hope, but that was partly because teams didn't throw it near him.
Johnson is one of the rare elite talents who is capable of holding his own against any receiver. This is the type of talent they need, as they were torn apart in pass coverage last year. Even if the former second-round pick does not play at the same elite level he did a few seasons ago, he still needs to deliver a strong performance. The Bears need someone who can stabilize the secondary. Not only that, they need a true leader. Johnson is fully capable of doing that, but if he cannot, the defense may struggle again in 2026.
Montez Sweat
Turning to the defensive line, which is arguably the biggest weakness, Montez Sweat will need to have a strong year. Despite the team's struggles in 2025, he had a solid year. Sweat ended the season with 10 sacks, his second-most in a single season. Unfortunately, he struggled to make a consistent impact. The Bears' defense struggled last year to pressure quarterbacks, which led to opponents getting whatever they wanted. If that can not be fixed, it could be too much to overcome. The former first-round pick is the most talented player on the defensive line. He may not be a game changer, but he needs to be an impactful threat.
Dayo Odeyingbo
Dayo Odeyingbo will be another veteran who needs to step up. He signed last offseason as one of the team's top additions. However, Odeyingbo tore his Achilles after only eight weeks. Now, he is entering 2026 healthy and looks to prove he is worth the cost. The hope is that he will rediscover his best form and give Sweat a solid pass rusher on the other side of the defensive line. A strong pass-rushing duo could go a long way in turning the defense into even just a serviceable unit. The 26-year-old can also play at defensive tackle, giving defensive coordinator Dennis Allen multiple ways to attack opponents. This year, with few additions, the veteran pass rusher has to take on a bigger role for the defensive line to improve.
Final Analysis
The Bears have plenty of talent on defense, but talent alone will not be enough to turn things around in 2026. Johnson, Sweat, and Odeyingbo are three players who could have a major impact on the unit. If they can stay healthy and consistently play at a high level, Chicago should have a much better chance of fixing its biggest defensive problems. The defense does not need to become one of the best in the league, but it needs to be reliable enough to support the offense. Ultimately, the Bears' defensive success could depend on whether these key players step up when the team needs them most.
