Bears Could Poach Cowboys Starter Following 2026 NFL Draft

Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (42) celebrates after he sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Bears Could Poach Cowboys Starter Following 2026 NFL Draft

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Apr 26, 2026 1:12 PM ET

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The Chicago Bears have completed the 2026 NFL Draft. Many fans have been left a bit confused by some of the moves that general manager Ryan Poles made, but there are still opportunities for the team to improve their weaknesses.

One of the biggest needs for the Bears entering the draft was improving the pass rush. That was not an area Chicago addressed. No edge rushers were selected.

In the first round, the Bears were able to get a big steal at the safety position in the form of Oregon standout Dillon Thieneman. After that pick, Chicago added center Logan Jones in the second round, tight end Sam Roush and wide receiver Zavion Thomas in the third round, cornerback Malik Muhammad in the fourth round, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott in the fifth round, and defensive tackle Jordan Van den Berg in the sixth round.

Clearly, there is still a need for the Bears to pursue pass rushing help.

Keeping that in mind, there is one free agent in particular that Chicago should consider.

Chicago Bears Could Poach Cowboys’ 2025 Starter Following NFL Draft

Assuming the Bears are, in fact, interested in adding a pass rusher, former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney could make a lot of sense.

Clowney remains a free agent after putting together a strong 2025 season with the Cowboys. He was signed early in the year to help replace the loss of Micah Parsons. That move paid off well for Dallas.

Throughout the course of the 2025 season, Clowney played in 13 games. He racked up 41 total tackles to go along with 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and four defended passes.

At 33 years old, Chicago would likely only need to give Clowney a one-year deal. If things didn’t work out, the team wouldn’t be out anything. On the flip side, if things did work out and Clowney played at the level he showed last season, the Bears’ pass rush would take a big step in the right direction.

Only time will tell what Poles chooses to do following the 2026 NFL Draft. Clowney is arguably the best option available. Fans are still hoping to see Chicago be aggressive.

Expect to hear more rumors and speculation about the Bears throughout the remainder of the offseason. However, the pass rush still needs improvement and Clowney would be an ideal fit.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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