The Chicago Bears can’t do much about their defense this season. Barring a massive trade next month, they’re stuck with the personnel they have. However, that changes in a big way next spring. It will mark the first time that general manager Ryan Poles and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen have a real opportunity to take a crowbar to this depth chart and reshape it into something more formidable. Several key contracts will be unprotected by guaranteed money, making them removable.
That, along with a defense-focused draft, could lead to a serious overhaul the unit has needed for a long time. So how might they go about it? Here is a layout of what Poles could do with the resources available, presuming he unloads several key veterans as expected.
Part 1: The Chicago Bears defense teardown
- Trade: Jaylon Johnson ($16 million saved) for a 5th round pick
- Trade: Montez Sweat ($21 million saved) for a 5th round pick
- Cut: Grady Jarrett ($13.5 milllion saved)
- Cut: T.J. Edwards ($8.5 million saved)
- Cut: Neville Gallimore ($4.62 million saved)
Total cap space = $62.53 million
Johnson will be 28 years old next year. He still has some youth on his side to help give him trade value. As for Sweat, he had 10 sacks last year and could finish this season with another respectable number. Teams are always looking for pass rush help. Jarrett will be 35. Edwards continues dealing with health issues. Gallimore hasn’t been much of a factor on defense since the Chicago Bears signed him. This should free up enough cap space to make some moves.
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Part 2: Trade market
- LB Nick Bolton from Kansas City for a 4th round pick
Linebacker is a position that doesn’t get as much fanfare these days as it did in decades past. That’s a shame, considering how important it’s been to the franchise. They need some help in that area. Kansas City is facing a serious salary cap crunch in 2027. They will likely have to make a sacrifice somewhere. Bolton has been a core piece of their defense for years, integral to two of their most recent Super Bowl titles. Poles helped draft him in 2021. They can afford his contract and he’d be an instant help alongside Devin Bush.
Part 3: Free agency
- DT Moro Ojomo – 4-year deal for $92 million
- EDGE Tavius Robinson – 3-year deal for $39 million
Philadelphia already paid Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. There is no way they can pay Ojomo as well. The defensive tackle had 6 sacks last season. While he doesn’t have any yet in 2026, he does have 13 pressures, which is 17th in the league. He’s been dying for starter-level snaps and has the skill set that would be a great fit for the Chicago Bears’ scheme.
One thing you can always count on with the Baltimore Ravens is their ability to develop good defensive linemen. Robinson has been steadily improving as a pass rusher over the past three years. This season is shaping up to be his best with 3 sacks and 7 QB hits in just 5 games. His 6’6″ and 262 lbs frame should appeal to Allen’s desire for size on the edge.
Part 4: The Draft
- 1st Round – Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Miami
- 2nd Round – Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama
- 3rd Round – A.J. Holmes Jr., DT, Texas Tech
One thing the Bears haven’t had at edge for years is speed and explosiveness. Not since Khalil Mack left. Damon Wilson changes that. He’s a little on the lighter side at 250 lbs, but he’s long and has the quick burst and bend to give offensive tackles nightmares. He has 3.5 sacks in 5 games already, so his production remains consistent.
One thing about Allen’s defense is that he wants to play man coverage. For that, you need cornerbacks with speed and athleticism. Brown possesses plenty of both. He can hang with any receiver downfield and plays with a level of physicality that the Bears coaches will love.
Holmes took a back seat to teammates like David Bailey last year. They masked how capable the defensive tackle is, both as a run defender and an interior pass rusher. He already has 2.5 sacks in 5 games for the Red Raiders, demonstrating an exciting mix of quickness and high motor. The guy is in the backfield a lot.
