UFC heavyweight Austen Lane, who retired from the NFL to pursue an MMA career, has now retired from the sport of MMA. Lane’s official athlete profile on the UFC website lists him as “not fighting,” and according to MMA Junkie, he has quietly informed UFC officials that he decided to retire.
The governor stood at a podium with days left in the legislative session and invoked the supernatural. “I’ve seen miracles happen every year,” J.B. Pritzker told reporters, referring to a stadium bill that could lock Illinois into a 40-year tax arrangement with a single NFL franchise.
The Chicago Bears had its first day of organized team activities on Wednesday and it appears cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon were out on the field after all despite recent reports.
To be sure, there are plenty of reasons to doubt the Bears' ability to remain atop the NFC North or in the NFC playoff picture even with Caleb Williams catching last year late in games.
How many of the NFL quarterbacks to lead the league in passing touchdowns for each season since the AFL/NFL merger in 1970 can you name in seven minutes?
Many analysts expected the Chicago Bears to select multiple defensive players in the 2026 NFL Draft. They owned seven picks but only added former Georgia Tech defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg at No.
Yardbarker's best-of NFL positional series continues with linebackers. This does not cover pure pass-rushing threats -- we will get to them -- but rather true off-ball defenders who thrived as traditional inside and outside 'backers.
With the Illinois spring legislative session set to end on Sunday, some lawmakers are considering giving into the Chicago Bears‘ demands for a megaprojects bill that would allow the team to build at Arlington Heights.
The Chicago Bears took a big step forward in the 2025 season. First-year head coach Ben Johnson and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams proved they are the long-term solutions for the franchise.
The Chicago Bears' pass-rush was one of their most glaring weaknesses last season. While Austin Booker showed some flashes late in the year, their defensive line was largely inconsistent at getting after opposing quarterbacks.
The Chicago Bears were arguably the biggest breakout team of the 2025 season. They took multiple steps forward because their young roster, loaded with talent, started to reach their potential.
When the Chicago Bears won the NFC North in 2018, they did so on the backs of one of the best defenses in the NFL. Vic Fangio’s unit dominated games, using a good pass rush, a good middle of the defense in their linebackers and a secondary that was making plays and forcing turnovers.
Kyle Monangai’s No. 233 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft didn’t make a lot of noise. However, he proved to be a steady contributor for the Chicago Bears last season.
The Chicago Bears struggled mightily with their pass rush last season. The unit finished 31st in the NFL last season in pass rush win rate and 29th in pressure percentage.
The Chicago Bears will begin OTAs (organized team activities) on Wednesday, marking the latest big step toward the 2026 season. Chicago will run their first three days of OTAs from May 27 through May 29, and then the next three sessions will take place from June 2 through June 4.
The Chicago Bears may be hearing increasing NFL rumors surrounding a potential Cole Kmet trade. For now, though, the organization appears far more interested in competing in 2026 than cashing out on draft capital.
Chicago Bears general manager is a dedicated adherent to the "best player available" draft strategy, even going so far as to double-down on this strategy ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.
The Chicago Bears totaled just 35 sacks as a team last year, so they entered the offseason in dire need of pass-rushing assistance. The general expectation was that the Bears would either sign an edge rusher in free agency or select one in the NFL Draft.
Caleb Williams is coming off a standout second season in the NFL. He led the Chicago Bears to the Divisional Round and produced impressive numbers. The quarterback completed 377-of-658 passes for 4,560 yards, 32 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 19 games.
The Bears have not made any notable defensive end acquisitions this offseason, but they are “keeping tabs on potential options,” according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
Chicago Bears insider Brad Biggs revealed the team brought in free agent pass rusher A.J. Epenesa for a workout last week as the team considers finally making an addition at defensive end going into the 2026 season.
The Chicago Bears will embark on the next part of the offseason program on Wednesday, when the team begins organized team activities (OTAs). The Bears have been in the midst of their offseason program since April 20.
Two state legislatures. Two billion-dollar packages. One football team sitting between them, watching the offers climb. The Chicago Bears have turned stadium
The Chicago Bears have spent their offseason looking to capitalize off of their 2025 playoff run. However, their pass rush remains essentially unchanged.
Maxx Crosby is back with the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2026 season, but that doesn't stop NFL analysts and experts from projecting that he'll be traded sometime soon.
Caleb Williams repeatedly pulled off dazzling plays to lead improbable Chicago Bears victories. A coach wants less drama in 2026. Williams orchestrated six comeback wins last season when the Bears trailed in the fourth quarter.
Dayo Odeyingbo‘s debut season with the Bears did not go according to plan. An Achilles tear limited him to just eight games, but a return for practices this summer is expected.