The 2025 season proved that the Chicago Bears were already ahead of schedule on offense. While he wasn't necessarily accurate, Caleb Williams took a big leap as a playmaker, making the most of a cleaner pocket, an improved supporting cast, and Ben Johnson's offensive mastermind.
The defense, on the other hand, left a lot to be desired. ESPN's pass-rush win rates show the Bears had the second-worst unit in the league (29 percent), leading to a mediocre 6.05 percent sack percentage, which ranked 23rd in the league.
Considering that, the Bears should look at the pass rusher market and bring a former member of the organization back to the Windy City. It's officially time to put an end to Leonard Floyd's unemployment.
Leonard Floyd Makes Total Sense for the Bears
Floyd spent the first four years of his career in Chicago. He registered 154 total tackles, 18.5 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, 44 QB hits, and nine passes defensed. He then left to join the Los Angeles Rams, where he enjoyed his best years as a pro.
The defender may no longer be in his prime, and he's coming off a down season with just 3.5 sacks and 11 QB hits while missing two games due to injuries, but it may also have been a matter of fit. Raheem Morris's defense was hit-or-miss for most of the season, and Floyd had 8.5 sacks in the previous campaign.
Floyd's ability to play outside linebacker or edge rusher makes him a dynamic player that every defensive coordinator wants on their roster. He's familiar with the organization and knows what it takes to succeed in Chicago's blistering cold.
According to Spotrac, Floyd's next contract is projected to be for one year and $8.9 million. The Bears are in a tough spot financially, with just $243K in available cap space, per Over The Cap. That said, GM Ryan Poles can probably sort things out, and Floyd would likely take a discount, given the apparent lack of suitors in free agency.
Johnson said the Bears needed "killers" on defense, guys who could set the tone with their physicality and inspire everyone around them to do the same. Floyd is no longer in his prime, but that was a pretty good way to define him just a couple of years ago. He's amassed 70.0 sacks and 431 tackles in his ten-year career, and he should still have plenty left in the tank.
And with Dayo Odeyingbo, Austin Booker, Daniel Hardy, Jeremiah Martin, and Jonathan Garvin as the only options to start opposite Montez Sweat, Floyd would give this team some solid insurance and another mentor for whoever they get in the NFL Draft.