After a strong 2026 offseason, one clear area of concern remaining for the Chicago Bears is where they will generate a consistent pass rush outside of Montez Sweat. Free agency targets are picked over, and the trade market appears to have dried up, with both Josh Sweat and Maxx Crosby appearing content to suit up for their current teams. Chicago has put itself in a tough position, counting on a leap from Austin Booker and hoping that surprise contributors emerge in the 2026 season.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is unquestionably a great coach and did a nice job mixing up Chicago's pass rush in the 2026 season. However, coaches are clearly limited by the talent on their roster, and having so few established pass rushers is a clear area of concern that the franchise should work to address over the summer.
The Bears don't have to go out and make a blockbuster addition, but could at least keep an eye on potential roster cuts or perhaps a late-offseason veteran signing. Opting not to make any further additions to the current edge rushing depth chart is a huge risk in a season when the expectation is Super Bowl contention and another leap forward for Ben Johnson's offense.
Bears Lack of Established Pass Rush Remains Clear Area of Concern Moving Towards 2026
It is important to note that this is also an area that the Bears could opt to wait out and find additions ahead of this year's trade deadline. Chicago has clear assets it can move if the position is a clear liability and the offensive and secondary talent to carry the team early in the season until moves can be made.
As much sense as this makes, it would still obviously be ideal to see another move made in hopes of getting ahead of a potential problem. After Sweat, you're relying on Booker, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Daniel Hardy. These are a trio of clear question marks with the potential contributors listed behind them, even more unproven. As creative and accomplished as Dennis Allen might be, it is fair to wonder if you're expecting too much of the veteran coach.
An answer to this question won't be found until the Bears either make a move or the 2026 season gives us meaningful snaps to judge. Either way, the position is one of the few that can be pointed to as a clear concern heading into the summer.
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