Bears Might Face an Incredibly Difficult Decision on Defense

Oct 18, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) is sacked by Chicago Bears defensive line Daniel Hardy (92) during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Bears Might Face an Incredibly Difficult Decision on Defense

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jobe Morrison | Last updated Oct 27, 2026 5:00 PM ET

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When the Chicago Bears learned that Montez Sweat would serve a two-game suspension in the middle of the season, it left them in a difficult position. Sweat and Austin Booker had been productive on the edge of Chicago’s defense, forcing the Bears to turn to journeyman Daniel Hardy to fill the void. However, what happened next was unexpected.

Hardy did more than simply fill in for Sweat. He played at a high level. In Weeks 6 and 7, he appeared in just his second and third games on the active roster this season. Chicago went 2-0 during that stretch, and Hardy played well enough to raise an important question: Should the Bears give him a larger role and reduce Sweat’s snap count moving forward?

Hardy Was Very Productive in Relief of Sweat

Hardy rose to the occasion in a big way for the Bears. Although he did not officially start either game, he received plenty of opportunities to rush the passer. According to PFF tracking, Hardy recorded eight pressures, two sacks, one tackle, and one run stuff across 50 pass-rush snaps.

That production translates to a 16% pressure rate, an encouraging mark that could prompt Chicago’s coaching staff to explore his potential in a larger role.

Hardy entered the season without many opportunities to prove himself. He saw limited defensive action in Week 1, logging just seven snaps before largely disappearing from the rotation. With Chicago needing as much production as possible from its edge defenders without Sweat, Hardy answered the call.

His performances may have done more than convince defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to give him additional snaps. They could also influence the front office’s plans ahead of the NFL trade deadline.

Could Hardy Keep a Potential Trade Acquisition on Hold?

Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Bears have reportedly engaged the Los Angeles Chargers in discussions about a potential trade for Khalil Mack. A reunion would give Chicago another proven edge defender and strengthen its depth at the position. It would also give Mack an opportunity to join a team with postseason aspirations.

However, Hardy’s two-game performance raises an interesting question: Has he done enough to convince the Bears to slow down their pursuit of Mack? Chicago still has two weeks before the trade deadline to work out a deal with the Chargers.

Hardy’s production could encourage the Bears to preserve their draft capital rather than spend it on another edge defender. That does not necessarily mean Chicago should abandon a potential Mack trade. The team could still acquire the veteran while giving Hardy a more consistent role in the defensive rotation.

However, if the Chargers demand a steep price, Hardy’s emergence could give Chicago more confidence to walk away rather than overpay for Mack. Two strong performances do not guarantee that Hardy can sustain this level of production, but they have given the Bears another factor to consider as the trade deadline approaches.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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