Chicago Bears’ lack of spending provokes surprising reaction

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears’ lack of spending provokes surprising reaction

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated May 14, 2026 11:29 AM ET

The Chicago Bears had their best season in what seemed like eons this past year, winning 11 games, capturing the NFC North division title and winning their first playoff game since January 2011.

While the future is certainly bright for the Bears regardless, fans were hoping that the team would go for broke this offseason to try and add more significant pieces. It was clear Chicago still needed help, after all, and bringing in some established veterans could have helped push the Bears even further above the Green Bay Packers.

Instead, Chicago’s free-agent period was largely tame, which was actually understandable given the club’s lack of financial wiggle room.

That didn’t stop the fanbase from getting frustrated, though, as the Bears’ lack of bountiful spending was perceived as cheapness … even though it really wasn’t.

Zacharay Pereles of CBS Sports understands that and said as much in a recent piece where he used one word to describe every NFC team’s offseason while citing one addition who exemplifies it.

Chicago Bears might not be so cheap after all

Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Pereles called Chicago’s offseason approach “measured” and specifically identified safety Coby Bryant is an example of that.

“The Bears could have tried to really load up after their breakthrough 2025 season. They smartly opted not to. Instead, they worked around financial hurdles and other unexpected challenges (Drew Dalman’s retirement) while still making smart improvements,” Pereles wrote. “Bryant is an under-appreciated, versatile safety who can close in a hurry, lower the boom, and give you some back-end ball production (seven interceptions over the last two years) as well”

Pereles also credited Chicago for adding linebacker Devin Bush while noting that the Bears got a pretty nice return in the D.J. Moore trade.

Of course, it’s still fair to question the Bears’ NFL Draft strategy, as they did not add a single edge rusher in their class, and they did not select a defensive tackle until the sixth round. But it’s pretty clear that head coach Ben Johnson has a vision for the squad, and he’s trying to stick to it.

The key for Chicago in 2026 will be whether or not quarterback Caleb Williams takes another step forward. If he does, the entire league could be in big trouble.

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

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