NFL Exec Criticizes Bears for Not Addressing Key Defensive Need

Chicago has failed to add an edge rusher this offseason despite it being their biggest weakness on defense.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:07pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes in vibrant colors representing the Bears' defensive struggles.A cubist interpretation of the Bears' ongoing struggle to bolster their pass rush, exposing the team's need for defensive line reinforcements.Chicago Today

An NFL executive has criticized the Chicago Bears for not addressing their biggest defensive need this offseason - adding an edge rusher. Despite the Bears' pass rush being a major issue in recent years, they have been unable to make any significant additions at the position due to salary cap constraints and previous contract commitments.

Why it matters

The Bears' inability to improve their pass rush could hamper their defensive performance in the upcoming season. Edge rusher is a premium position in the NFL, and the Bears' failure to address this need could put them at a disadvantage against opposing offenses.

The details

The Bears made some defensive improvements this offseason, signing linebacker Devin White and safety Coby Bryant. However, they have yet to add an edge rusher, which one NFL executive identified as the team's biggest defensive need. The executive noted that the Bears' contract commitments have limited their ability to spend on a top edge rusher, with players like Boye Mafe and Trey Hendrickson signing lucrative deals elsewhere.

  • The Bears made their roster moves this offseason.

The players

Devin White

A linebacker signed by the Bears this offseason.

Coby Bryant

A safety signed by the Bears this offseason.

Boye Mafe

An edge rusher who signed a $60 million deal with another team.

Trey Hendrickson

An edge rusher who signed a $112 million deal over four years with another team.

Dayo Odeyingbo

A Bears player who the team made a $48 million decision on last offseason, which was considered a major miss.

Montez Sweat

A good edge defender, but the Bears need more help at the position.

Zion Young

An edge rusher prospect the Bears could target in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“The pass rush has been their biggest question on defense the last few years. ... They need to improve the D-line, but they couldn't really do it because they are locked into guys with guaranteed money. They didn't really address their biggest defensive need.”

— NFL Executive

What’s next

The Bears will have to address their edge rusher need either through the 2026 NFL Draft or the trade market, as their salary cap constraints have limited their ability to sign top free agents at the position.

The takeaway

The Bears' failure to address their biggest defensive need of adding an edge rusher this offseason has been criticized by an NFL executive. This could put the team at a disadvantage if they are unable to improve their pass rush before the upcoming season.