The Chicago Bears are entering what will be a pivotal 2026 offseason as the franchise attempts to continue to transition itself into an established Super Bowl contender. Head coach Ben Johnson has done an incredible job getting the most out of a roster that will now have a chance to search for upgrades and perhaps consider a few potential reunions.
One obvious fit is a star pass rusher that would upgrade the weakest part of the Bears' defense. Giving the franchise a clear offseason win and a veteran player a chance to hunt for an elusive Super Bowl ring.
1. Khalil Mack
The Bears have a clear need to upgrade their pass rush, and there has already been a level of speculation around Mack's potential return. The veteran pass rusher is scheduled to hit free agency and is coming off a down season, offering the Los Angeles Chargers only 5.5 sacks in the 2025 season. Still, it was only two seasons ago that Mack was among league leaders sacking the quarterback, and in the two seasons since, the defender has offered 11.5 sacks and 26 quarterback hits.
Even at this late stage of his career, Mack is well worth signing and would be an exciting high upside option for Chicago's pass rush. It makes sense as well for the edge rusher to return to Chicago in the 2026 season, helping the franchise he was a part of during some truly dismal seasons make a push for a Super Bowl run.
Mack's fit within the organization is clear, and it should be an attainable signing even with Chicago's limited cap space. No question, a reunion with Mack should be near the top of the team's offseason priority list.
2. Darnell Mooney
While Mooney is under contract with the Atlanta Falcons for the 2026 season, it seems incredibly likely that the veteran is going to be an offseason cut. If the Bears were to trade DJ Moore as expected, the franchise would find itself in need of a third option at receiver. Mooney's contract allows the Falcons to save $11.9 million in cap space if the pass catcher were to be released after June 1st. This makes the most sense for Atlanta and would allow for a reunion with Chicago as a reclamation project.
Mooney headed into the 2025 season dealing with an injury and it seems that this, along with a lack of chemistry with Michael Penix Jr. imploded the receiver's value. If the Bears are planning to turn the page on Moore, this is an incredible opportunity to bring back a proven contributor at what should be an unexpectedly low cost.
Rome Odunze and Luther Burden can be the featured options at the position, with Mooney providing Caleb Williams with a trusted veteran target as the third receiver. If the Falcons move on as expected, it simply makes far too much sense not to explore.
3. Al-Quadin Muhammad
The current Detroit Lion and former Bear is getting ready to hit free agency after what was a breakout season for the edge rusher. Muhammad offered 11.0 sacks and was the perfect fit alongside star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Now, Chicago has a chance to reunite with the defender and attempt to solve their concerns at the edge rusher position. It is important to note that a reunion with Mack makes more sense and should be a higher priority; however, if Mack decides to go elsewhere, the Bears could pivot to Muhammad.
Muhammad spent the 2022 season with Chicago and offered extremely underwhelming production, managing only a lone sack on the year. However, watching the linebacker continually develop in Detroit and this translating into double-digit sacks this past season has the door firmly ajar when it comes to a potential reunion.
It simply makes far too much sense in the fact it brings in a piece you're familiar with as well as weakening a rival. Perhaps the only concern here is opting to pay the defender off of what was a career season. Still, the fit makes far too much sense not to explore in the next weeks of the offseason.