The Chicago Bears shocked the NFL world by falling just two wins shy of a trip to the Super Bowl. Ben Johnson turned the franchise around in one year, and their offense has the potential to be the best in the game in no time.
Then again, they had to rely on late-game heroics and comebacks working in their favor far too many times. Their defense is still a work in progress, especially their pass rush. That should be their main priority in the offseason, and with Boye Mafe set to test free agency, he looks like a feasible target for GM Ryan Poles.
The Bears Could Hit the Jackpot With Boye Mafe
Mafe hasn't necessarily lived up to expectations as a former second-round pick, but it's not necessarily all on him. The Seattle Seahawks are absolutely stacked on defense, leading to the outside linebacker starting in just four of 17 regular-season games last season. However, that's only going to help the Bears' case.
According to Spotrac, Mafe has a projected market value of just $8.1 million, with his next deal projected to be in the ballpark of two years and $16.1 million. Per Over The Cap, the Bears are $5.3 million over the cap, so he's the type of high-upside/low-price pickup they can afford after making some moves to clear money off their books.
The 27-year-old was still productive when on the field. He logged 31 total tackles (11 solo), five passes defensed, four tackles for loss, four QB hits, and one fumble recovery. That's not bad at all for a rotational piece.
Considering the Seahawks almost traded him at the deadline, Seattle's front office might feel comfortable letting him walk away. The Bears desperately need to add more firepower to the defensive front after finishing the 2025 season with the league's second-worst win rate (29 percent), per ESPN. They also have the seventh-fewest sacks this season (35).
In his four years in the league, Mafe has logged 164 total tackles, 71 pressures, 36 quarterback hits, 24 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, 14 passes defended, three forced fumbles, and a couple of fumble recoveries. All he might need to break out is a change of scenery.
The Bears gave defensive coordinator Dennis Allen a pass after an up-and-down season. Now, with a full offseason to add players who fit his system and the team's needs, he might not survive another campaign with those mediocre pass-rushing numbers. Mafe could help Allen keep his job and Chicago elevate its pass rush if the fit is right in the Windy City.