Chicago Bears get alarming reminder of biggest offseason mistake

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Chicago Bears get alarming reminder of biggest offseason mistake

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jun 1, 2026 8:26 PM ET

The Chicago Bears have every reason in the world to feel better about their offensive prospects for the upcoming season.

Quarterback Caleb Williams is set to flourish in his second season under head coach Ben Johnson.

Even after trading DJ Moore, the Bears have a formidable core of targets for Williams with Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Cole Kmet. Rookies Sam Roush and Zavion Thomas could contribute more help for the offense.

The biggest question is at left tackle as Ozzy Trapilo recovers from a ruptured patellar tendon.

The Bears addressed the defense with their first-round selection, taking safety Dillon Thieneman at No. 25 to complement Coby Bryant, who signed in free agency. Chicago needed another safety after losing Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker this offseason.

But the pass rush is a major concern at this point. The Bears hope the secondary can give the defensive line more time to make a rush, but it’s unclear if even that will help a suspect unit unless Austin Booker has a breakout season in Year 3.

The Chicago Bears are predicted to regress on defense

NFL: Chicago Bears Training Camp Chicago Bears Dennis Allen at training camp – Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Aaron Schatz of ESPN argues that the Bears defense will look worse in the upcoming season, and that’s why he named Chicago as one of the five least-improved teams this offseason.

The Bears had a poor defense last season and check a lot of boxes that suggest it will get even worse in 2026,” Schatz wrote. “Much better on third down than first or second down? Likely to get worse. Led the league in turnovers per drive? Likely to get worse. Lost talent in the offseason including both starting safeties, one of whom (Kevin Byard) was a first-team All-Pro? Likely to get worse.

“The offense should improve in the second season with coach Ben Johnson, even despite the loss of center Drew Dalman and wide receiver DJ Moore. However, it will need to be very strong to overcome the defense and go 12-5 or better.”

Chicago desperately needs to make a move to add a defensive end before the regular season. The pass rush is the only obstacle keeping the Bears from being a legitimate threat to win a Super Bowl, something that needs to happen with Williams on a rookie contract.

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

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