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Bears' biggest remaining weakness is now impossible to ignore

National analysts are beginning to question whether Chicago has done enough at edge rusher heading into 2026.
ByParker Hurley|
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Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles before the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles before the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears had one clear need moving into the 2025 NFL Draft. So, it is obvious that when the team did not address the need, it was not only going to remain a question, but the noise was going to get louder. Now, the national media knows that the Bears have one massive weakness. 

What can the Chicago Bears do at edge rusher?

Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports went through the biggest questions for every NFL team following the NFL draft. To the surprise of no one, he is wondering if the Bears have enough help at edge rusher. 

"The Bears have kept the status quo at edge rusher this offseason, not bringing in a player via free agency or the draft. This comes after a 2025 season where the defense ranked in the bottom half of the league in sacks and pressure rate, so this does feel like an area of the depth chart that still needs to be addressed"
Tyler Sullivan

There are a few ways to be optimistic about the room. First, Dayon Odeyingbo could be healthier than expected, and Austin Booker could continue to ascend. Banking on both is not the best plan, but both are on the table. Beyond that, the team is very deep at defensive tackle. Behind Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter are James Lynch, Neville Galimore, Kenatvius Street, and Shemar Turner. Turner, Lynch, and Street all have the body type that could allow them to slide out on the edge at times, which we know Dennis Allen likes to do. 

If they can get by with some jumbo edge snaps on run downs, it could keep Booker healthy and ready to be impactful on the pass-rushing downs. A third idea is to sign an edge rusher in free agency. While the name value of these players might end up being more impactful than their actual play on the field, there are still some good names available on the free agent market.

Joey Bosa and Cameron Jordan are the big names, and Jordan has experience in the Dennis Allen defense. Still, AJ Epenesa, Jadeveon Clowney, Von Miller, Michael Danna, and Kyle Van Noy are all still around currently. 

Some of those players were much better five years ago than they are now, but they still know how to win, and if the Bears can just use them rotationally, they could get the best out of them. Is this what the Bears have in mind, or is this going to be a problem all year?

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