The first Chicago Bears 2026 mock offseason comes far later than previous years. It is a byproduct of the team being good for once. With one game left, they’re playing for a chance at the #2 seed in the playoffs. However, it has become apparent by now what their objectives will be next spring. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson accomplished their objective for 2025, which was to build around Caleb Williams. Now, their focus will shift to a defense that has been underwhelming for most of the season, outside of turnovers. Plenty of work must be done. Here is how they can go about it.
The Chicago Bears’ 2026 mock offseason will feature some tough decisions
Cuts/Trades:
D.J. Moore to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 3rd round pick in 2027
This is the toughest decision to make. Moore has been a trusted playmaker for the Bears, but they have to find a strong kick of salary cap space somewhere. Trading their wide receiver will secure $16 million in cap space, along with a solid future pick they can retool with. They have Rome Odunze and Luther Burden under manageable contracts. This is one of those moves you never like making, but sometimes can’t avoid.
Restructures/Extensions:
- Darnell Wright – 4-year extension for $92 million
- Montez Sweat – Full restructure to create $10 million in cap space
- Tremaine Edmunds – 2-year extension at $16 million per year (gains $5 million in 2026 cap space)
- Jaylon Johnson – 2-year extension at $20 million per year (gains $5 million in 2026 cap space)
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson – 2-year extension for $12 million per year
- Kevin Byard – 1-year deal for $7 million
- Andrew Billings – 1-year deal at $3 million
- Theo Benedet – ERFA contract at $885,000
- Scott Daly – 1-year deal at $1.215 million
- Jonathan Owens – 1-year deal at $1.3 million
- Nick McCloud – 1-year deal at $1.215 million
- Elijah Hicks – 1-year deal at $1.215 million
- D’Marco Jackson – 1-year deal at $1.215 million
- Durham Smythe – 1-year deal at $1.3 million
- Daniel Hardy – RFA tender at $3.45 million
Salary cap: $12.69 million
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Free Agency:
Fans won’t like the idea of this Chicago Bears 2026 mock offseason coming and going with no notable moves in free agency. Sadly, it has to be this way. The team has no wiggle room to make any significant additions on the veteran market this year. They can probably add a few guys on the cheap, but that’s it. If ever there was a year to focus on trying to get compensatory picks, this is the one.
The Draft:
1st Round – Matayo Uiagalelei (EDGE, Oregon)
If you’re looking for a poster child of a classic 4-3 defensive end, it’s Uiagalelei. He’s 6’5 and 270 lbs with good length. He’s already an excellent run defender, but has also flashed a lot of promise as a pass rusher. His mix of power and athleticism makes him a difficult matchup in any situation. At one point in a 16-game span for Oregon, he had 12.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss.
2nd Round – Derrick Moore (EDGE, Michigan)
You always want to see steady progress from a player throughout their college career. That is exactly what Moore presented despite the carnival show at Michigan this past year. He had 10 sacks in 12 games, 7.5 of them coming in the final six contests. He’s average in size, but makes up for it with an explosive burst, raw power, and a strong motor. What he needs is development.
3rd Round – Darrell Jackson (DT, Florida State)
Interior run defense has been a persistent issue for the Bears for a long time. Andrew Billings has eased the pain at times, but he’s in his 30s and likely nearing the end of his career. They need a true nose tackle for the long term. When he’s in a groove, Jackson is the type of big, powerful guy who is impossible to move. He has natural leverage to get under blocks, and the lower-body strength to hold his ground is perfect.
4th Round – Lander Barton (LB, Utah)
If you’re looking for the modern era linebacker, look no further. Barton has great size for his position at 6’4 and couples it with great range and coverage instincts. Chicago has struggled covering the middle of the field all year. Barton, with his five interceptions in three years, could help with that.
5th Round – Tao Johnson (S, Utah)
As with Billings, the Bears must think about life after Kevin Byard. Johnson is the type of athletic safety who can fit perfectly in single-high. He has the range to cover lots of ground and the awareness to go after the football when it’s in the air.
7th Round (via CLE) – Barion Brown (WR, LSU)
While the Bears have plenty of talent at wide receiver, one thing you could argue they’ve lacked for too long is legitimate vertical speed. They don’t have a burner. Brown is the type of gamble worth taking. While he never had a breakout year for LSU, his 4.3 speed is no joke. Defenses will have to respect him.
7th Round – Raion Strader (CB, Auburn)
Depth at cornerback is never a bad thing. Injuries ravaged the position for Chicago this season. Adding another body won’t hurt. Strader had 31 passes defended and three interceptions in his two years at Miami (OH) before transferring to Auburn this season. He has a nose for the football.
