Every logical conclusion suggested the Chicago Bears should make edge rusher a priority in the 2026 offseason. The team had the second-fewest pressures last season with 214. Opposing quarterbacks were often far too comfortable in the pocket, leading to some big games from even non-elite guys. That can’t happen if the Bears want to compete for a championship. They had to find somebody who could pair with Montez Sweat. Austin Booker missed half the season last year with a knee injury. He still has lots to prove. Dominique Robinson is gone. Shemar Turner tore his ACL. So why didn’t the Bears do anything? It largely centers on defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
You see, he had a plan. When the Bears signed Dayo Odeyingbo as a free agent, Allen crafted a strategy that would have the big defensive end play edge on running downs and then shift inside in passing situations. Odeyingbo had lots of success in Indianapolis as an interior rusher. Unfortunately, Booker’s injury ruined that plan, and then Odeyingbo tore his Achilles. According to a person close to the team, Allen is still eager to try this strategy. He believes in Odeyingbo’s potential, which is why the Bears focused on other positions in free agency and the draft.
Dennis Allen put himself in a tough spot.
Don’t forget what head coach Ben Johnson said earlier this year. Fixing the team’s pass rush couldn’t rely on a big roster move. They had to “coach it” better. That was a direct message to Allen that he’d better get things figured out, or there could be consequences. We already know Johnson isn’t afraid to make changes if he feels they’re necessary. The coaching staff avoided accountability after last season. That will not be the case next year if the defense doesn’t take a step forward.
By not pushing harder for pass rush help, Allen has doubled down on Odeyingbo, who again is coming off a torn Achilles, being able to fulfill the original vision for this defensive front. That is a dangerous gamble. The Bears have let every feasible opportunity to add help go by. The top free agents are long gone. No draft picks. No viable trade options. The cupboard is well and truly bare. If Odeyingbo flops and the pass rush again can’t apply consistent pressure, it won’t just be the players who suffer the consequences.
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A lot of jobs are on the line this year.
Remember, the structure of several contracts on the payroll means the Bears could gut their entire defensive line next offseason. Odeyingbo can be released for $15 million in cap space. Grady Jarrett would fetch $13.5 million. Montez Sweat would bring in $21 million. All three, but especially the first two, understand that poor performance in 2026 will likely cost them their jobs. Dennis Allen was the one who primarily pushed for them. He then pushed to run it back again this year. Much of the responsibility for any failure will fall at his feet.
The grace period is over. Chicago knows they have the offense to compete with the NFL’s best. They proved it several times last season. It was the defense that largely held them back. Allen got the benefit of the doubt because it was his first year, and he inherited a roster that wasn’t his. That is no longer the case. Half of the team’s projected starters on defense for next season were acquired under his watch. If he can’t produce results, the team may decide to find somebody who can.
