Last offseason, the Chicago Bears focused most of their efforts on fixing their offensive line. Now, we can expect general manager Ryan Poles to take a similar approach to the other side of the trenches by bolstering the defensive line in 2026.
The Bears' front seven struggled to hold its ground, and their current options aren't necessarily promising. As such, finding someone to compete with Grady Jarett, Gervon Dexter, and mentor Shemar Turner should be at the top of their list of offseason priorities.
Fortunately for the Monsters of the Midway, the Minnesota Vikings are in the midst of a bit of a panic sale. According to ESPN insiders Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler, Minnesota is bound to move on from both Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen.
The Bears Should Attempt to Sign Hargrave or Allen Away From Vikings
The Vikings are $46 million over the salary cap, and with Hargrave and Allen combining for $42 million last season, this was a no-brainer move. Now, Poles and the Bears must make the most of this opportunity by getting at least one of those veterans. While both defenders have their own flaws, they each would bring something to the Bears that the franchise could benefit from.
Allen had a down year in Brian Flores' system. His 52.3 Pro Football Grade was the lowest of his career, continuing what's been a bit of a downward trend over the past three years. That said, Chicago should have no qualms overlooking the recent issues, given that this would allow the Bears to sign him to a cheaper, short-term deal and keep him around to mentor Turner.
Even in a down year, Allen still ranked sixth among defensive tackles in solo tackles (44), second in assists (21), and third in total snaps played (809). He also had 34 total pressures, 34 stops, 22 hurries, eight QB hits, and 4.0 sacks. That is the kind of production that Bears fans would've welcomed.
As for Hargrave, the 33-year-old is aging like a fine wine. He had a better year in his lone season in Minnesota than in the previous campaign with the San Francisco 49ers, logging a higher PFF grade (68.0, 35th) to go along with 28 total tackles, 20 assists, 24 hurries, 20 stops, 31 total pressures, three QB hits, and 4.0 sacks. Even at his age, he can be an upgrade at a reasonable price for Ben Johnson's team.
The Bears gave up the sixth-most rushing yards per game last season (134.5) and the tenth-most points per game (24.4). They can't keep putting all their hopes on Caleb Williams going bonkers in the fourth quarter and leading heroic comebacks, or the defensive backs forcing turnovers at a frantic pace.
Teams win and lose games in the trenches, and whoever dominates the line of scrimmage will dictate the terms of the game. That's as valid now as it was a hundred years ago, and it's probably the only thing that will remain constant for as long as this sport is alive and well.
The NFC North is the most competitive division in the National Football League, and the only thing sweeter than watching a divisional rival struggle is doubling down on their misery by making the most of their sacrifices.