Best players the Bears face in 2026: Aidan Hutchinson

Sep 22, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn ImagesMatt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Best players the Bears face in 2026: Aidan Hutchinson

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Christopher Novak | Last updated Jul 9, 2026 11:06 AM ET

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After their first playoff appearance in five seasons, the Chicago Bears have renewed expectations going into 2026. Caleb Williams flashed a lot of talent last season and gave Bear fans a reason to be excited about the quarterback position for the first time…maybe ever in franchise history. The offense looked great and while the defense had its issues, they found ways to win. Sometimes in wilder fashion than others.

With the sixth-toughest schedule in the NFL ahead of them, Chicago has a tough road to get back to the playoffs in consecutive seasons. If they do, that would mark the first time since 2005 and 2006 that they achieved that mark. 2006 was a special year for the Bears, of course, and something they’d no doubt like to replicate.

Chicago is going to face a lot of talented players this season on both sides of the ball. Few will be better coming off the edge than Detroit Lions star AIdan Hutchinson. Let’s take a look at what the Bears can expect from this former Michigan Wolverine.

Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson

It was a perfect fit for both Hutch and the Detroit Lions. The former Michigan standout grew up in the Mitten, so the fact that he went to the Lions after playing for the Wolverines became a great story. And then Hutch not only plays at a high level, but the Lions go back to the playoffs?

It’s hard to have pictured a better start. But Hutchinson did go through some adversity. He played only five games in the 2024 season due to an ACL injury that sidelined him from October 13 onward. He returned in the 2025 season and got right back to work.

Hutchinson has feasted on the Bears

Dec 10, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) pressures Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Hutchinson racked up 14.5 sacks a year ago. He didn’t stop there either as quarterbacks felt his fury all season. He came down with 20 quarterback knockdowns and 35 QB hits, a personal-best. It’s certainly one way to come off a devastating injury and should concern teams who have to block him this year.

Over the years, Hutchinson’s made an impact against the Bears. In six games played against them, Hutchinson has 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and recovery, an interception, and 28 combined tackles. Chicago’s Darnell Wright will have his hands full if he’s facing him as will Braxton Jones. It’s safe to say this is one of the most impactful players the Bears will play all year, and they will have to face him twice barring injury. So, they’ll have to dig deep against this talented pass-rusher.

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

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