The Chicago Bears' offense was a treat to watch in 2025. Their defense, however, wasn't on the same level. That's why general manager Ryan Poles had a clear goal to fix that side of the field ahead of the 2026 campaign, and free agency provided a path to make many much-needed additions.
The Bears could've used some help in the secondary, especially after watching defensive backs like Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson leave in free agency. That's why watching the Green Bay Packers quietly steal Benjamin St-Juste in free agency may have been such a big gut punch.
Packers' Benjamin St-Juste Would've Been a Great Bears Fit
As the Bears watch starting DBs leave the Windy City, the Packers got St-Juste at just two years and $4.9 million per season.
St-Juste made 16 appearances (2 starts) for the Chargers' defense, logging 37 total tackles (22 solo), seven passes defensed, and one interception. That type of production could've come in handy in the Windy City, and given how much cornerbacks improve as headhunters under DBs coach and defensive pass game coordinator Al Harris' tutelage, his numbers would've gone significantly up in Chicago.
While he's not a star, St-Juste is a well-proven veteran who could've contributed to the Bears' most glaring need. Pro Football Focus gave him a 75.6 overall grade, ranking 12th among 114 eligible cornerbacks, hinting at his elite efficiency despite not being a starter.
St-Juste allowed 23 receptions on 43 targets for a 53.5% catch rate, 243 yards, and one touchdown. He didn't miss a single tackle, and he held opposing quarterbacks to a 68.3 passer rating when they targeted him. He also had three pass breakups and registered 10 run stops in 111 run-defense snaps.
The Bears gave up the fourth-most total yards per game (361.8), 11th-most passing yards per game (227.2), and the 10th-most points per game (24.4). They desperately needed someone who could limit explosive plays, and St-Juste was available at a reasonable price.
To add insult to injury, the Packers' secondary will be much better. Including the postseason, the Bears averaged a whopping 259.7 passing yards in three clashes with the Packers last season, and repeating that success just became a bit tougher.
At the end of the day, the Bears should still have more than enough resources to stay atop the division. However, competition in the NFC North is absolutely brutal, and any extra help to repeat as champions would've been helpful.
Time will tell if St-Juste will fill Chicago with even more jealousy depending on how the first Bears-Packers clash unfolds.