Free agency is around the corner, and everyone around the NFL is looking at ways to improve their roster for the 2026 season. As we get closer to the tampering period beginning on March 9, teams will look to offload players to create as much roster and cap space as possible to go on a spending frenzy.
The Arizona Cardinals named Mike LaFleur as their new head coach this offseason. As he gets settled in, he'll look to add new faces to his team, and that could include parting ways with multiple players. Johnny Venerable of PHNX Cardinals named several players who would net Arizona savings if they were released, and Zaven Collins was on the list.
And with the Bears needing more juice at pass rush, Collins would be a wise target for Chicago to consider if he, in fact, hits the open market.
Zaven Collins Would Be the Perfect Future Bear
Collins came into the league as a stand-up linebacker, but they decided to move him down to the defensive line in 2023. While he hasn't been dominant, the Bears need as much pass-rush help as they can get next season, especially since they were tied for 22nd in the NFL in team sacks (35).
Montez Sweat led the way with 10 sacks, and Austin Booker was second among Chicago edges with 4.5 sacks. Collins has logged 470-plus total snaps along the defensive line and suited up in all 17 games since 2023.
Chicago will have Dayo Odeyingbo returning from a torn Achilles next season, which means they need some quality depth that much more. The Tulsa product will be just 27 years old when the 2026 season rolls around, which means he still has room to grow. And with better coaching in Chicago, they could unlock the potential he has.
Stats | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
Total Pressures | 30 | 31 | 31 |
QB Hits | 2 | 2 | 7 |
Hurries | 24 | 23 | 22 |
Sacks | 3.5 | 5.0 | 1.5 |
Even though his numbers aren't staggering, he showed that he can get into the backfield. Generating pressure is something Chicago needs more of, and the team's pass rush would look even better if Collins can convert more opportunities into sacks.
If Collins joined the Bears and created pressure, that would allow other disruptors on the defensive line more chances to sack the quarterback or force a pass. It wouldn't cost them much either if he does get released. Collins is currently on the books for just $6 million, which is the same number he was at in 2025.
There's no way he gets more than that on the open market. He probably gets less, meaning the Bears wouldn't have to give out a bunch of money to get him in. Regardless, the Bears need better pass rushers, and if Collins gets released, they should consider adding him before another team beats them to the punch.