Chicago Bears Prioritize Speed and Versatility in Free Agency

The Bears made calculated moves to improve their defense, focusing on athleticism and positional flexibility.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:06pm

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The Chicago Bears had a busy start to free agency, retaining key players and adding depth on the defensive side of the ball. While some fans may have been disappointed by the lack of splashy moves to improve the pass rush, the team's approach appears to be focused on building a faster, more versatile defense through a combination of free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The Bears' free agency strategy provides insight into how the team views the bigger picture of roster construction. By emphasizing speed and versatility on defense, they are looking to create a more dynamic unit that can better match up with the modern NFL offense.

The details

The Bears' key free agent additions include linebacker Devin Bush, who ran a blazing 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the combine, and cornerback Coby Bryant, who brings more athleticism to the secondary compared to the player he is replacing. The team also added defensive linemen Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street, who are praised for their quickness at their size. These moves suggest the Bears are prioritizing versatility, with Bush and Bryant capable of playing multiple roles.

  • The Bears signed Coby Bryant to a three-year, $40 million contract.
  • The team passed on some cost-effective safety options like Jaquan Brisker and CJ Gardner-Johnson, indicating they may have their eyes on a specific safety prospect in the draft.

The players

Devin Bush

A linebacker who ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, tying for the seventh-fastest time ever for a linebacker.

Coby Bryant

A cornerback signed by the Bears to a three-year, $40 million contract, bringing more athleticism to the secondary.

Neville Gallimore

A defensive lineman added by the Bears, praised for his quickness at his size.

Kentavius Street

Another defensive lineman signed by the Bears, also known for his athleticism and quickness.

Ozzy Trapilo

A second-round draft pick by the Bears last year, who is expected to compete for the starting left tackle job once he recovers from a torn patellar tendon.

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What’s next

The Bears will continue to address their roster needs through the upcoming NFL Draft, where they are expected to target defensive backs and defensive linemen to further improve their speed and versatility on that side of the ball.

The takeaway

The Bears' free agency strategy suggests a focus on building a more athletic and versatile defense, eschewing big-money splashes in favor of calculated moves that align with their long-term vision. This approach could pay dividends as the team looks to compete in the NFC North.