Ben Johnson, Ryan Poles, and the Chicago Bears are entering the 2026 offseason needing to do some work to get into a position where they can improve their roster as they see fit.
They face several questions about veterans, both those who are headed to free agency and others who very well could be this offseason. They have already lost multiple coaches due to their resurgent 2025 season.
However, their strong campaign could give way to a fortuitous offseason.
Bears Receive Strong Words Before 2026 NFL Draft
Bears in ‘Win-Win Situation’
The Bears have seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, three of which are in the top 100 selections, including 25th overall. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah believes the Bears are in a “win-win” situation heading into the draft.
“They’re in a good spot,” Jeremiah said in a recent conference call, per NFL.com’s Dan Parr on February 19.”There are some years where you look at your needs and where you’re picking and you go ‘Oh, crap, we better move one way or another.’ I think they can just sit right where they are and see how it falls.”
Jeremiah identified offensive tackle–where Ozzy Trapilo is recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon–and defensive end as the Bears’ two biggest needs.
He also mentioned some prospects that could draw their interest.
“Jeremiah said he expects a top edge rusher — whether it’s Keldric Faulk, Cashius Howell, Akheem Mesidor, T.J. Parker, R Mason Thomas or Zion Young — to be available for them,” Parr wrote.
“As for offensive tackles, Jeremiah foresees Monroe Freeling, Max Iheanachor, Caleb Lomu, Blake Miller and/or Kadyn Proctor still being on the board at No. 25.”
That does not mean the Bears do not have other needs to address, though.
Bears’ Myriad Needs Complicate Draft Picture
Jeremiah’s take on the Bears’ needs is not unique, but it could also be expanded upon to include their secondary and other areas. CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards picked the defensive line as their “biggest need.”
Edwards noted guard could also use addressing, while agreeing that the Bears need more pass-rushing juice.
However, his target was the interior after the Bears struggled to stop the run.
“It seems most likely that Chicago will allow Ozzy Trapilo a full offseason to adjust to his role at left tackle, but that could be a sneaky position to watch for the Bears in the first round. Ben Johnson will have more intel on Trapilo’s comfort on the left side than anyone. Wide receiver or a guard to eventually replace Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson could also be on the table,” Edwards wrote on February 23.
“Those are more questions than outright concerns though. The defensive line is a concern. Chicago allowed the fourth-most yards before contact (1.89) in 2025, per TruMedia. An impactful pass rusher would take the defense to another level as well.”
The Bears struggled to slow down opposing passing attacks, too, thriving off takeaways and playing stingier in the red zone.
As clear as Jeremiah’s message for the Bears was, their draft outlook remains far less so, due largely to their various needs, limited (relative to the previous two offseasons) resources, and draft position.