The Chicago Bears haven’t done anything to hide their stadium intentions. Quite the opposite. They’ve been forthright with what they want for a long time. Everything pointed to them wanting to build a brand new complex in Arlington Heights. They own the land and have reached the necessary agreements with local municipalities on its cultivation and property taxes. The only hurdle remaining was passing legislation in Springfield that would help them build out the infrastructure to make it viable. Governor J.B. Pritzker and the democratic government have dragged their feet on this for the better part of a year.
After being snubbed from any discussions on the matter last October and then told they weren’t a priority for 2026, the Bears reached their breaking point. They re-opened their search for a new home, this time including northwest Indiana as a possibility. Marc Silverman of Waddle & Silvy revealed on his program that while Arlington Heights remains the preferred home, the Indiana idea is gaining steam. In fact, it’s gotten to a point where a decision will be made within the next month.
According to @WaddleandSilvy, while Arlington Heights is the preferred destination for the Bears new stadium, there could be a decision to move to Northwest Indiana at the end of February or early March pic.twitter.com/VrkthunsJy
The Chicago Bears are putting pressure on Pritzker.
It is clear they want a resolution to his problem soon, one way or the other. The Bears have held that property in Arlington for three years. Team president Kevin Warren said his goal was to have shovels in the ground by 2025. That deadline came and went. There hasn’t been any progress towards that goal. Indiana is determined to lure the Bears away and has put together an enticing offer. The team would be allowed to pick their preferred location and would receive full support from the state, including infrastructure and zero property taxes, to get the project done.
Not only that, but the new legislative bill expected to help this process along offers a lease term where the NFL team would have the option to buy the stadium for the cost of the outstanding debt, or for $1 once the project is fully paid off. The team would also keep all the revenue from non-football events. This has been a primary objective for the Chicago Bears from the beginning.
Meanwhile, Illinois keeps dragging its feet.
Warren and the McCaskey family know the state legislature’s spring session runs through the end of May. If nothing gets done by then, it won’t get done this year at all. The Bears knew they had to find a way to exert pressure on Pritzker’s regime. Letting it leak that early March is their line in the sand will certainly get the message across. By now, it feels like the only thing left to do on the Indiana front is say yes. The Bears are giving Illinois one last chance to come to the table with something real.
Location
Why yes
Why no
Downtown Chicago
Greatest revenue opportunities
Team would not own the stadium
Arlington Heights
Team would own the stadium
Insane property taxes
Indiana
Tons of public financial support
Would leave Illinois for first time in a century
From a pure business standpoint, Indiana is the obvious decision. There isn’t even a close second. However, it can’t be all about business. There is a lot of history at stake here. The Bears have played in Chicago since 1920. This decision would forever change that legacy. It isn’t one they want to make without exhausting every possibility.
Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Anton Frondell is selected as the third overall pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Believe it or not, the end of the NHL season is slowly sneaking up on us. The Blackhawks will hit the road for a game against Columbus on Wednesday, but will then be off for the Olympic break until Feb. 26. When that time comes, they’ll only have 25 games left in what has been an intriguing season. Throw the trade deadline in there on March 6, and you’ve got a pretty eventful two months ahead.
There have been rumblings in the past few weeks that Chicago might once again find itself as a seller at this year’s deadline, which makes plenty of sense. The Blackhawks have had one of the best pipelines in the league for years now, and with several of those players ready to hit the NHL, Chicago will need to make room for them by moving on from older veterans without as much upside. Connor Murphy, Jason Dickinson, and Ilya Mikheyev have been among the names mentioned as players the Blackhawks could rent out.
But while the Blackhawks will almost certainly use the end of the season as a chance to try out some of their top prospects at the game’s highest level, they can’t bring everyone up to the big show. Three big-name youngsters should be donning the game’s most famous sweater before the end of the season.
Anton Frondell
Buckle up. The Blackhawks have plenty of AHL talent under contract in Rockford right now, but no one in Chicago’s pipeline possesses quite as much upside as Frondell, the third-overall pick in the 2025 draft. Still 18 years old, he’s played well in the SHL, Sweden’s top league, with 14 goals in 32 games with limited ice time. He was named the best forward in this year’s World Junior Championship as Sweden won the entire tournament, and he’s already signed his entry-level contract. He’s unpolished and inexperienced, but if the Blackhawks are out of playoff contention by the time he becomes available, Frondell’s offensive skill could be a bright spot for a few games in Chicago.
Nick Lardis
Likely the next man up whenever the next forward is moved from Chicago, Lardis has already played 21 games in the NHL this year (mostly in relief of an injured Connor Bedard) and showed that he could compete at a high level at 20 years old. With Rockford, he’s picked up 27 points in 26 games—a far cry from the 117 points he racked up last year in the OHL, but a great number for a player who had just made the jump to the professional ranks. He’ll probably end the year in Chicago no matter what, especially if a Blackhawks forward suffers an injury at any point.
Kevin Korchinski
He’s still just 21 years old, but it feels like Korchinski has been with the Blackhawks for a lifetime. He’s in the final year of his entry-level contract before hitting RFA status this summer, and has performed well in the AHL, being named to the All-Star roster. He came up to Chicago for two quick games in early January, and played poorly against Washington, but was much better the following night against the Predators. Many have mixed feelings about what the Blackhawks should do with Korchinski going forward, but it’s a safe bet he’ll at least get one more shot in Chicago before they have to make a decision on whether to re-sign him. If they do so, he could be looking at a bridge deal around two years at $2 million AAV. With at least two older blueliners (Murphy, Matt Grzelcyk) on their way out the door at the end of the season, he should start next year with the Blackhawks if he’s under contract.
Dec 2, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) celebrates with guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The last few days have felt like a bit of a dream come true for Chicago Bulls fans. While they haven’t done anything franchise-altering or made any major transactions, any moves at the deadline have become the standard for overwhelming joy in the Windy City. Thus far, Arturas Karnisovas has grabbed two second-round draft picks, added Mike Conley’s $10 million expiring salary, and landed 23-year-old Jaden Ivey. Shortly after, he swapped the 35-year-old Nikola Vucevic for a 26-year-old Anfernee Simons. The goal is to invest long-term in both guards as future shooting guards or sixth men. With a resume that’s not overly impressive, Ivey’s next contract won’t be as lucrative as Coby White’s or Ayo Dosunmu’s, but he still possesses the potential and athleticism to become a significant factor moving forward. Here’s what’s next for AK, and the signs that say Chicago is not done making moves yet.
Too Many Guards Means That Is Up Next
Adding Ivey and Conley to an already overflowing backcourt situation in Chicago indicates two things: that there will be another trade before Thursday’s cutoff, and that it will be shipping off Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu. Both are on expiring deals, and the team has been outspoken about fielding offers for the pair. Adding a young asset at shooting guard means one is being replaced. The question now becomes, does Karnisovas want a more lucrative return, or to keep the better fit for the future?
BULLS AREN'T DONE JUST YET
Per @JCowleyHoops the Bulls are looking to package Coby White and Mike Conley to move before Thursday
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bulls (@JAYChi_Bulls) February 3, 2026
The correct answer is building the best product for the future, which would mean retaining Dosunmu. He’s separated himself from White as a better fit, a better all-around player, and he will be cheaper to extend this offseason. He’s been a more productive and efficient three-point shooter, currently ranking in the top five leaguewide in three-point percentage. His defense is miles ahead of his running mate, and his size creates more versatility on that end, and his ability to play a variable amount of minutes at differing positions makes him irreplaceable.
Getting The Best Deal For Coby White
For the Bulls’ front office, it now boils down to finding the best offer for the longest-tenured player on the roster. There’s been interest around the league, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and others. While reports indicate that Chicago is not getting many offers that meet its request for a first-round pick, adding Conley or late-round draft capital might elevate the deal to that level.
Shams on the Bulls:
"Around the league I'm getting a ton of calls and texts, this raises questions about the futures of Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu" pic.twitter.com/UoDtOscYvJ
Dosunmu would certainly net a first-round draft pick in return. White might only land a few second-round picks or a low-grade prospect. Regardless of what Karnisovas decides to do over the next few days, one of the two, if not both, will be in a different jersey after Thursday’s cutoff.
Dec 21, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) warms up before a basketball game against the Boston Celtics at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
As dangerous as it might be to say, Arturas Karnisovas is pulling off a trade deadline masterclass. After grabbing draft stock on Saturday night for helping facilitate a trade between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings, today, he’s taken it to a new level. Earlier this afternoon, he grabbed 23-year-old Jaden Ivey from the Detroit Pistons for Kevin Huerter, adding a young, athletic guard to pair with Josh Giddey. While the assumption was that Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu would be next on the outgoing list, Karnisovas just swapped a 35-year-old expiring contract for a 26-year-old guard playing some of the best basketball of his career. For a fanbase that was desperate for change in any fashion, the Bulls are giving them just that.
Adding More Young Talent
Adding Simons comes with good news and bad. While adding a young, athletic, proven elite scoring guard seems like a win for the Bulls, it also comes with a caveat. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer, who is already earning north of $27 million this season. Based on his career statistics and scoring prowess, he’ll be due roughly the same contract as Coby White, who Chicago is destined to move in the next 48 hours. Essentially, Karnisovas has chosen to invest in the former Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics guard over White as the future sixth man or running mate to Josh Giddey.
BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading center Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick to the Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/aScaobfZmv
So far, the Bulls have added two young, athletic guards on expiring deals. AK has opted to take the gamble that they will resign long-term, and if they don’t, he’s in the same position as if he’d done nothing at the trade deadline with free cap space and flexibility in free agency.
Needing Rim Protection
Much like the first trade today heavily indicated that White or Dosunmu would be the next to go, this deal almost guarantees the Bulls are not done yet. Not only will they still need to dump backcourt assets, as they’re even more overloaded there, but they’re also lacking big man depth. Jalen Smith and Zach Collins have battled injuries all season long, and without Vucevic, they lack a true center. As hinted in previous weeks, rim protection was a main objective of the front office, and now it’s becoming a reality.
Bulls can't be done dealing. They have an extreme excess of guards. Giddey, Coby White, Simons, Ivey, Conley, Tre Jones, Dosunmu all on the team with only enough minutes for about 3.5 of them.
Two certainties that have become clear are that Karnisovas will trade away at least one guard, if not more, and that the team will add a center with solid rim protection.
Does all of this runway lead to a bigger splash for a star, or will they be adding a low-grade big man and ending the most deadline chaos the franchise has seen in several seasons?
Aug 16, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (22) reacts after striking out during the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
On the surface it appears as though the Chicago Cubs are done adding any significant player to their roster heading into spring training, but they reportedly remain involved on several fronts in the free agent market. Whether it’s filling out the bench by acquiring another outfielder or making a somewhat bigger splash by bringing in a former Cy Young candidate the Cubs could very likely sign one of the following three players.
Starting Pitcher Zac Gallen
Let’s begin with the biggest name as Zac Gallen has been connected to the Cubs since the Winter Meetings in early December and despite a plethora of arms already on the depth chart Gallen remains a top target for Jed Hoyer.
Gallen, 30, has a qualifying offer attached to him, which may be one factor negatively impacting his market this offseason. On top of that the right-handed pitcher had the worst year of his career in 2025 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and as the Cubs have done in the past Gallen might just fall into their lap.
What makes the Gallen rumors so intriguing is the amount of confidence that some insiders have about the Cubs signing him. One of the loudest voices in recent weeks reporting on Gallen and the Cubs is Bruce Levine, who once again expressed near certainty that Gallen will be pitching for the Cubs in 2026.
You know the deal by now, if the Cubs do sign Gallen it’ll be because they believe they can recapture his success from previous seasons. This front office isn’t adding another starting pitcher for the sole purpose solidifying depth. If the Cubs are spending upwards of $20 million AAV on a 2-4 year contract for Gallen it’s because the team has a plan set in place to get the upside of Gallen.
If the Cubs wanted another starter just to add another arm, then they’d simply sign one of the many free agent pitchers who won’t command multi-year contracts in free agency.
OF/DH Andrew McCutchen
A few days ago the Cubs were specifically mentioned by Jon Heyman as one of the teams expressing interest in free agent outfielder Austin Hays. A few hours later the 30-year-old signed with the White Sox.
The Cubs have already signed a few other outfielders during the past month on minor league deals, adding Chas McCormick and Dylan Carlson as spring training competition. However, the Cubs are reportedly exploring more outfield options and veteran Andrew McCutchen could be a solid fit.
In 2025, McCutchen was slightly below average at the plate as he slashed .239/.333/.367, with 13 home runs in 551 plate appearances. He had a 95 wRC+ and while the right-handed hitter is removed from his All-Star days McCutchen still has a great eye at the plate, recording a 12.2 BB% and he was decent against left-handed pitching. McCutchen had a 104 wRC+ vs. lefties in 2025, with a slash line of .267/.353/.389.
Kind of seems like the perfect veteran presence any contending team would want on the active roster. If you can play him in the right matchups McCutchen can still be a productive hitter against left-handed pitching, while giving Craig Counsell the ability to be flexible in the outfield and maybe take some pressure of rookie Moises Ballesteros, who despite his great reputation as a pure hitter still struggled against lefties last season.
The biggest hurdle in pursuing McCutchen might be his role on the team. Hays ultimately signed with the White Sox, where he was guaranteed starting time, so playing time might be a factor that dissuades McCutchen away from the Cubs.
INF/OF Miguel Andujar
Similar to the McCutchen mention, Miguel Andujar can be an excellent bench piece for the Cubs in 2026, as a lefty masher. The 30-year-old had a fantastic bounce back season in 2025, as he slashed .318/.352/.470, with 10 home runs in 341 plate appearances. And here’s why the Cubs should be all over Andujar.
He crushed left-handers and while it was only a 93-plate appearance sample, Andujar had a 171 wRC+ vs. lefties in 2025, slashing .389/.409/.578. Dating back to the 2023 season, Andujar has combined to hit .374/.406/.560, in 192 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers.
The defense may not be his calling card, but Andujar can play both corner positions in the infield and outfield.
Jan 17, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) dribbles defended by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Arturas Karnisovas is bringing a newfound fire into the 2026 NBA trade deadline. After completing his first deal of deadline season on Saturday night, one that saw the Bulls grab two late draft picks and absorb the expiring contract of Dario Saric, he has completed his second transaction today. In a three-team deal with the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago was more heavily involved in this one and added a low-risk, high-reward prospect who is only 23 years old and was once a top-five pick in the draft. According to Shams Charania, the Bulls add two players, send off two veterans, and add a youthful talent alongside Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.
Adding Jaden Ivey And Mike Conley
AK’s energy at the trade deadline this year is a breath of fresh air for fans in Chicago. He’s seemingly more aggressive, willingly pulling the trigger on multiple deals, and retooling the roster for the future. Although no big splash has been made, and if the deadline were over now, the Bulls would only net a 23-year-old on the last year of his rookie deal and two second-round draft picks, it’s infinitely more action than the fanbase has become accustomed to in recent years. Conley was more of a cap-clearing move, as his contract will expire this summer and he likely will not return, while Ivey presents an investment opportunity as a long-term shooting guard.
Bulls and Pistons have desires met here in a young and veteran guards to Chicago and a sharpshooter goes to Detroit. Minnesota creates significant tax savings and roster space as they pursue a Milwaukee star this week. https://t.co/u9FiTn4wTD
Ivey’s minutes and production have dipped this season, which is part of the reason Chicago was able to snag him for an expiring Kevin Huerter, but his previous three campaigns saw averages of 30 minutes per night and 15 points per game. His downhill play style, speed, and athleticism will fit well with Giddey in the backcourt.
Hinting At One More Move
This trade does one more thing for Chicago: it signals that they’re not done yet. By adding two more guards to an already guard-heavy roster, the assumption is that they’re either going to waive Conley to clear space or commit to a deal that ships off another guard. With the endless buzz surrounding Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, those are the two top candidates to be traded in the next 48 hours. Per CHSN’s K.C. Johnson, that’s exactly the plan for Karnisovas’s group.
Conley is an expiring deal. Jaden Ivey fits profile of recent acquisitions by management of young players with NBA experience. Bulls remain active on guard talks. https://t.co/J38p8XHnZL
The Bulls have arguably won two trades so far this trade cutoff, which would be two more successful deals than they’ve had in the last five seasons. If the front office can flip White or Dosunmu for promising prospects or draft stock, and add rim protection before Thursday’s deadline, will this be the first successful execution from this group of leadership in their seven-year tenure?
Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field prior to a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Maxx Crosby will be one of the central talking points of the 2026 offseason. He’s been a phenomenal presence for the Las Vegas Raiders since being drafted. Across 110 games, he has 69.5 sacks, 164 quarterback hits, and 133 tackles for a loss. He’s been widely considered one of the four or five best pass rushers in the NFL for most of the past decade. Sadly, he is also one of the most underachieving. In all that time, his teams have managed to reach the playoffs only once. The 2025 season felt like rock bottom, with Vegas earning the league’s worst record.
What made it worse was their decision to shut Crosby down before the season ended despite his protestations. It was a blatant decision to tank in his eyes, prompting him to walk out of the facility. Most people took that as a glaring sign that the superstar was finally ready to demand a trade out of town
There is no question Maxx Crosby would be a hot commodity.
Pass rushers of his caliber almost never become available in their prime. It is for this reason that many people in the Chicago Bears sphere of influence are practically demanding the team put together a package to pursue him. Current estimates indicate it would cost at least a 1st round pick and likely another high selection to even get a seat at the table. Micah Parsons went to Green Bay last offseason for two 1st rounders and DT Kenny Clark. Crosby is a bit older, so he won’t command as much, but that is the general ballpark.
Chicago was tied for the fifth-fewest sacks in the NFL this year with 35. Montez Sweat had 10 of those. Nobody else had more than six. It was a glaring problem that always spelled their eventual doom in the playoffs. You can’t win Super Bowls without a consistent pass rush. After reaching the divisional round, the prevailing wisdom is that now is the time to go all in. Put together a strong package for Crosby, pair him up with Sweat, a get the defense on the same level as the offense to go after that Lombardi trophy.
History shows this kind of trade rarely works.
What is the goal of such trades? That is obvious. To win a Super Bowl, right? To determine whether making such a sacrifice is worth it, you must look at how previous such blockbusters have fared. Since 2000, there have been six trades that fit the criteria of an elite pass rusher being dealt for a large package. The Parsons one to Green Bay is being withheld because not enough time has passed to truly determine whether it was a success or failure. Here were the outcomes of those six deals.
Year
Name
Compensation
Best result
2006
John Abraham
1st
Loss in NFC championship
2008
Jared Allen
1st, two 3rds, and 5th
Loss in NFC championship
2009
Richard Seymour
1st
8-8 (no playoffs)
2016
Chandler Jones
2nd and OG Jonathan Cooper
Loss in wild card round
2018
Khalil Mack
1st, 1st, 3rd, and 5th
Loss in wild card round
2021
Von Miller
2nd and 3rd
Super Bowl win
Keep this in mind. In those three instances where the pass rushers made their deepest playoff runs, they were on a team that had a top-tier quarterback. Abraham played with Matt Ryan. Allen played with Brett Favre. Miller played with Matthew Stafford. Make no mistake. All six men produced extensively with their new teams. It didn’t seem to matter. Their impact did improve the bottom line, but seldom enough to push them over the top. That makes the price tag difficult to justify.
The draft or free agency is how the Bears should approach the problem.
Trades are fun. They create all sorts of buzz. Adding a big name to your team leads to hope and high expectations. The problem is that football remains the ultimate team sport. One player outside of the quarterback can rarely impact team fortunes so extensively that they become instant champions. Look at the previous ten Super Bowl champions. You’ll find that exactly zero of them found their best pass rusher on the trade market. All were either drafted by said team or signed as a free agent.
Super Bowl winner
Leading sacker
How he was acquired
2024 Eagles
Josh Sweat
Draft
2023 Chiefs
Chris Jones
Draft
2022 Chiefs
Chris Jones
Draft
2021 Rams
Aaron Donald
Draft
2020 Buccaneers
Jason Pierre-Paul
Free agency
2019 Chiefs
Chris Jones
Draft
2018 Patriots
Trey Flowers
Draft
2017 Eagles
Brandon Graham
Draft
2016 Patriots
Trey Flowers
Draft
2015 Broncos
Von Miller
Draft
The NFL is about maximizing the value of your resources. Finding a great pass rusher should be done in one of two ways. Either spend one pick trying to find them in the draft, or pay a ton of money in free agency. Trading for Maxx Crosby would be doing both at the same time. The Bears would not only have to pay his large contract ($35 million cap hit in 2026) but also give up multiple high picks to make it happen. That isn’t smart team-building. The Bears have already learned this lesson before.
At best, the player improves your team by 2 or 3 games every year. At worst, he underperforms, leaving you right where you started and with fewer assets to keep the team competitive. That is how the Bears fell apart in the years following the Mack trade. Though their QB and head coaching situation is better than it was in 2018, it’s still not enough to justify an all-or-nothing swing for Maxx Crosby. The end has rarely justified the means. He is a great player, but has proven over the years that his brilliance hasn’t made his team significantly better.
Poles must fix the Bears’ evaluation issues.
He is not the first GM to constantly lean on veteran players to fix the team’s pass-rush problems. It has been a recurring issue for the past 30 years. Only one player they’ve drafted in that span has produced more than 30 sacks in a career (with the team). That was Alex Brown. Leonard Floyd cleared that mark, but he did so after leaving Chicago. Developing pass rushers has been a persistent weakness for the Bears. That is why they sign a Julius Peppers, trade for a Khalil Mack, and trade for a Montez Sweat.
Derrick Moore is one of the most productive pass rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft
Great speed-to-power, length, linear athleticism, and overall strength. Reminds me of Derick Hall pic.twitter.com/0jVujKzOYS
Their evaluation abilities have underachieved to a degree that’s sometimes stark. Since 1990, they have taken an edge rusher in the 1st round five times. Alonzo Spellman was a solid player but nowhere near elite and was selected over Robert Porcher, who had 95 sacks in his career. John Thierry, Michael Haynes, and Shea McClellin were outright busts. Haynes went ahead of Calvin Pace, and McClellin went over Chandler Jones. This isn’t down to bad luck. This organization hasn’t been good at pinpointing pass rushers for a long time.
Throwing a bunch of picks at Maxx Crosby won’t solve the underlying issue. They will have to confront it sooner or later. It might as well be now, in what many feel is a deep defensive line class.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
Let’s look at the safety room situation real quick. Actually, don’t. It’s depressing.
Kevin Byard III was a First-Team All-Pro last year, which was awesome, but the man is 32 years old. In NFL years, that’s basically geriatric. Jaquan Brisker? I love the way he plays, but I wince every time he makes a tackle. Three concussions in three years is scary stuff, and we can’t count on him being on the field for 17 games. Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens? They’re free agents.
Basically, the cupboard is about to be bare. And in Dennis Allen’s defense, the safety is the quarterback. If you don’t have a guy back there who can diagnose a route combination before the receiver even makes his break, you’re dead. Allen needs guys who are interchangeable, smart, and violent.
We’re sitting at Pick 25. This is the sweet spot for safeties. We don’t have to reach. We can sit back and let a playmaker fall into our lap.
I’ve broken down the 5 names you need to know. One is a pipe dream, one is a perfect fit, and one is a “business decision” waiting to happen that we need to avoid.
Here is the no-BS breakdown of the top safety prospects for the Bears in 2026.
1. Caleb Downs (Ohio State) – The “Pipe Dream” General
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) celebrates a defensive stop during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Vitals: 6’0″ | 205 lbs | Junior
The Vibe: A defensive coordinator playing safety.
Let’s just get this out of the way: Caleb Downs is the best defensive player in the draft. Period. He started at Alabama as a freshman (which is impossible), transferred to Ohio State, and just casually dominated the Big Ten. He processes the game at warp speed. He’s telepathic.
Why He Fits: He is exactly what Dennis Allen dreams about at night. He can play single-high, he can play in the box, he can cover the slot. He tackles like a linebacker and covers like a corner. He’s the “erase button” for an entire offense.
The “But…”: He’s going Top 10. Maybe Top 8. Unless he decides to tank his Combine interview by telling teams he hates football and loves knitting, he is not falling to 25.
The Verdict: If he’s there at 15, you trade up. You send whatever picks it takes. But realistically? He’s going to be wearing a different uniform, and we’re going to hate playing against him.
2. Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) – The “Ryan Poles Prototype”
Sep 6, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) runs after Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Christian Fitzpatrick (16) during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
The Vitals: 6’0″ | 205 lbs | Junior
The Vibe: A maniac who shows up at 5:30 AM to hit people.
If you could build a safety in a lab for Ryan Poles, it would be Dillon Thieneman. The guy is a stats machine — 306 tackles, 8 picks. He transferred from Purdue to Oregon and didn’t skip a beat. He was an All-American. He’s smart, he’s versatile, and he plays with a motor that runs “white-hot.”
Why He Fits: He fits DA’s defense perfectly. He’s a relentless worker. He arrives at the facility at 5:30 AM every day. On the field, he triggers downhill instantly. He’s excellent in run support (90.2 PFF grade) and has the instincts to play the “robber” role that Allen loves. He’s a plug-and-play starter who brings leadership immediately.
The “But…”: He can get a little over-aggressive. Sometimes he tries to blow a guy up instead of wrapping up, or he gets caught peeking in the backfield on play-action. But these are “effort” mistakes, not “lazy” mistakes.
The Verdict: This is the pick at 25. He’s realistic. He fills the need. He fits the culture. He replaces the durability concerns of Brisker with a guy who lives to play football. Don’t overthink it.
3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) – The “Small School Savage”
Dec 23, 2025; Boca Raton, FL, USA; Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) celebrates a third down stop against the Louisville Cardinals during the third quarter of the Boca Raton Bowl at Flagler CU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images
The Vitals: 6’2″ | 202 lbs | Senior
The Vibe: A bully who realized he was bigger than everyone else in the MAC.
This is my favorite “sleeper” who isn’t really a sleeper anymore. McNeil-Warren destroyed the MAC last year. He had the #1 safety grade in the country. He allowed a passer rating of 44.8 when targeted. He’s long (6’2″), rangy, and plays with a chip on his shoulder the size of Toledo.
Why He Fits: He’s an enforcer. He forced 10 fumbles in three years. Ten! He’s a ball-hawk who seeks out contact. He’s big enough to cover tight ends (looking at you, Tucker Craft) and nasty enough to play in the box.
The “But…”:The medicals. He missed the end of the season with an “enigmatic injury.” That’s scout code for “we don’t know what happened and we’re scared.” Also, can he tackle NFL running backs? He missed 15.5% of his tackles last year. That’s high.
The Verdict: If we trade back to the second round, or if he falls to 57, this is a smash accept. At 25? It’s a little rich with the medical questions. But the talent is undeniable.
4. A.J. Haulcy (LSU) – The “Headhunter” Bargain
Nov 29, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Louisiana State Tigers defensive back A.J. Haulcy (13) and Louisiana State Tigers safety Tamarcus Cooley (0) react during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Vitals: 5’11” | 222 lbs | Senior
The Vibe: A linebacker stuck in a safety’s body.
A.J. Haulcy is built like a tank. He’s 222 pounds and hits like a freight train. He transferred from New Mexico to Houston to LSU and just kept hitting people. He was First-Team All-SEC. He’s an old-school strong safety who makes receivers regret catching the ball over the middle.
Why He Fits: We need toughness. We need a guy who sets the tone. Haulcy is that guy. He’s incredible in zone coverage and attacks the run downhill. He’s also a ball magnet — 10 career interceptions. He creates turnovers, which is the #1 thing this defense did well last year.
The “But…”: He’s short (5’11”) and stocky. He’s not a center-fielder. You can’t leave him alone deep in Cover 1 and expect him to run sideline-to-sideline with a burner. He’s a box safety/robber specialist.
The Verdict: This is the Round 2 steal. If we go Edge at 25, Haulcy at 57 is a dream scenario. He pairs perfectly with a rangier free safety.
5. Kamari Ramsey (USC) – The “Business Decision” Trap
Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Caleb Komolafe (5) runs the ball against Southern California Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey (7) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Vitals: 6’0″ | 205 lbs | Junior
The Vibe: Great in coverage, invisible when it’s time to tackle.
Ramsey looks the part. He’s fluid. He covers the slot well. He had an 88.5 coverage grade. If this was 7-on-7, he’d be a first-rounder.
Why He Fits (On Paper): He’s versatile and can play nickel. He reads routes well.
The “But…” (And it’s a dealbreaker):Run Defense. He had a 63.0 run defense grade. In the Big Ten, and specifically the NFC North, you have to tackle. You have to hit Josh Jacobs and Jahmyr Gibbs. Ramsey shows up to the tackle point and… politely negotiates. He’s not physical enough for what Allen demands.
The Verdict:PASS. We cannot have a safety who is a liability in the run game. We already have durability issues back there; we don’t need softness issues too. Let someone else draft the coverage specialist. We need hitters.
Visualizing the Safety Board
Final Verdict
If Caleb Downs falls? You take him and sprint to the bank.
But in the real world, Dillon Thieneman is the guy. He fits the culture Ryan Poles has built. He’s smart, tough, and versatile. He’s the Day 1 starter who stabilizes the secondary for the next five years.
If we decide to prioritize the trenches at 25 (which I wouldn’t hate), then targeting A.J. Haulcy or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the second round is a fantastic consolation prize.
Just don’t draft the guy who can’t tackle. This is Chicago. We hit people here.
Arizona Cardinals offensive quality control coach Connor Senger speaks with the media as new coaching staff hires are introduced at the Cardinals facility in Tempe on March 8, 2023. Nfl Cardinals Offensive Assistant Coaches Introduction
Declan Doyle departed for the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator job last week. People close to the Chicago Bears organization had not expected it. They felt Doyle would be staying put for another year. However, the chance to coach Lamar Jackson proved too good to pass up. Now, Bears head coach Ben Johnson must go looking for a new coordinator. Rather than just promote from within, it appears he wants to bring in another outside perspective. The first candidate has finally surfaced. His name is Connor Senger.
Don’t feel bad if you don’t know the name. Senger is only 30 years old and broke into the NFL in 2022 through the Bill Walsh Fellowship in Arizona. After starting as an offensive quality control coach, he worked his way up the ladder to eventually become the Cardinals’ passing game coordinator in 2025. That is a pretty meteoric rise in just three years. Though Arizona was 3-14 on the season, it still posted the 7th-ranked passing attack in the NFL. Jacoby Brissett finished with career highs in passing yards (3,366) and touchdowns (23).
It’s little wonder Johnson was intrigued to talk to Senger.
The #Bears have requested to interview Connor Senger for their offensive coordinator position, source said.
Senger is Arizona’s pass game specialist and called plays in last week’s East-West Shrine Bowl. He interviewed for the Bills and Packers QB jobs last weekend. pic.twitter.com/kF8tF83G8c
Connor Senger was likely recommended by Drew Petzing.
Remember, before joining the Detroit Lions as their new offensive coordinator, Petzing ran the offense in Arizona for three years. He was the one who hired and promoted Senger multiple times. He is also best friends with Johnson. It isn’t a stretch to believe Petzing gave the Bears coach a tip about the young assistant. It’s worth noting that Petzing sees the game in much the same way Johnson does. They love running the ball and utilizing the tight ends. Trey McBride had over 1200 yards and 11 touchdowns last year with the Cardinals.
Connor Senger already has a pretty good feel for the type of offense Johnson would want to run. He’s also young and open to new ideas, meaning he won’t be stuck in his ways like some older coaches might. It was entirely the reason Johnson hired Doyle last year. Senger’s reputation has only grown since his wide receiver unit put on by far the best performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl last month. He clearly has a knack for developing younger players, which the Bears will need.
It will be interesting to see if any other names surface. One thing is clear. Johnson is sticking to the same plan that landed him Doyle last year: young, detailed, and ambitious.
The Chicago Bears have a void in their front office. Ian Cunningham was their assistant general manager from 2022 through 2025, serving a vital role alongside GM Ryan Poles. He has now taken a GM job of his own, assuming control of the Atlanta Falcons, his favorite childhood team. While great for Cunningham, it leaves the Bears with some difficult decisions to make regarding their front office. First, they must find somebody to fill the assistant GM role. Second, they have to bring in someone to fill the talent evaluation gap.
The initial belief was that the Bears had the first part already dealt with. Senior co-director of player personnel Jeff King was the presumed favorite to get a promotion to assistant GM, having a high standing in the building and the full confidence of Poles. However, people close to the situation informed SM that this is far from decided. There is an undercurrent of belief that the team might go in a different direction. It depends on what head coach Ben Johnson wants. He is the one holding up the process. It isn’t clear if he wants to bring in somebody from outside.
"The NFL should be running to give the Bears compensatory picks" with Ian Cunningham having left to become the new Falcons general manager, @LaurenceWHolmes says.
Yes, he may not have been the primary decisionmaker in the front office, but his presence cannot be overstated. His sharp eye for talent and ability to maintain an air of calm and focus during peak times of player acquisition proved crucial to some of the Bears’ best offseason moves. Losing somebody like that has consequences. It makes sense that the team takes the decision about a replacement seriously. It could still end up being King. He is the unofficial favorite, but the general feeling is it’s nowhere close to set in stone.
Coach Johnson has said he likes to bring in outside voices to keep his process honest. He may see the same value in doing so in the front office. Bring in someone with a different opinion to spark more discussion during evaluations. That is often how the best teams operate. Ian Cunningham will be missed. Sadly, the Bears must move forward. This coming decision will alter how the front office operates, for better or worse.
Some names to keep an eye on?
Former Miami Dolphins GM Chris Grier
Was a scout while Johnson was in Miami
Browns senior personnel advisor Jimmy Raye III
Served in Lions front office when Johnson arrived
Lions senior personnel advisor John Dorsey
Worked with Johnson in Detroit AND Poles in K.C.
Former Falcons GM Terry Fontenot
Worked with Johnson mentor Dan Campbell in N.O.
Senior advisor to Falcons head coach Bob Quinn
Was GM in Detroit when Johnson was hired
There are other lesser-known options as well. This will come down to who the Bears brass feel can fulfill the role as well as Cunningham did, both in evaluations and keeping a cool head in tense situations.
