Now that the NFL draft is over, there is not much that teams can do to massively improve their roster. There are always free agent signings throughout the year, but most of the players available now will not make major impacts. While the Chicago Bears have a strong roster, they are lacking in a few key areas.
The Chicago Bears have three obvious needs in 2026
Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated went through the biggest needs for all 32 NFL teams. He correctly noted that the Bears are a bit thin at wide receiver, edge rusher, and defensive line.
"It would be wise for the team to look at the notable available edge rushers to give them the best chance of maximizing the talent in the back end of the defense. Also, the receiving corps appears thin after Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III."Matt Verderarme
To be fair, the Bears are only thin at wide receiver in the eyes of the fans and the media. Inside the building, they went out and signed Khaliff Raymond, who is familiar with Ben Johnson. They also drafted Zavion Thomas in the third round. Again, this is a handpicked selection by both the General Manager and Head Coach. Outside of the doors of Halas Hall, there are questions about what type of impact either of these two can make, but the Bears are happier here than most realize.
The biggest needs that are obvious to all are edge rusher and defensive line. Defensive line has some options, but Grady Jarrett is getting older, and time keeps ticking on Gervon Dexter without him hitting his ceiling. He has flashes of brilliance, but not enough consistency to extend him at this point. So, neither of the starters are long term options. They signed a lot of depth options who can fill out the room, such as Neville Gaillimore and James Lynch, but those are small band aids and do not actually fix the problem.
This is going to be a question. The biggest question is edge rusher, though. The team is expecting to get Dayo Odeyingbo back from a season-ending Achilles injury, but there is no telling how he will look right after getting healthy. Austin Booker is best as a designated pass rusher, and the team might be asking too much from him right now. The depth behind this group is questionable and there are real chances that interior linemen like Kentavius Street and Shermar Turner get work on the edge. That is a clear sign of a position of need.
The Bears had chances to address edge rusher this offseason and did not take it. It will be something to watch all season, as it might be the decision that holds them back.
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