2026 NFL offseason preview: What do Chicago Bears need to remain contenders in era of Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson?

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The NFL offseason has begun, and Yahoo Sports is previewing the coming months for all 32 teams, from free agency through the draft and more.

Chicago Bears

2025 season record: 11-6 (o 8.5 wins), first in NFC North, lost to Rams in the divisional round, 16th in DVOA

Overview

This was everything the Bears could have hoped for when they hired Ben Johnson to be their head coach. The offense looked like a unit that could be among the best in the league, even with some ups and downs along the way. Caleb Williams finished 15th in EPA per play but often looked like the star quarterback he was expected to be as the first overall draft pick. Williams was incredible at avoiding sacks and learned how to turn that ability into big extended plays. On top of that, Johnson constructed a run game that finished the regular season second in success rate.

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Some underlying metrics would suggest the Bears might have overperformed their play during the season. They were just about average in DVOA and relied heavily on turnovers, especially in close games. But the foundation is more than established for what this team could become as the relationship between coach and quarterback grows. For the first time, the Bears have an offensive identity and a clear path forward. That’s everything this franchise needed.

Cap/cuts outlook

Chicago has -$14 million in effective salary cap space entering the 2026 offseason. That’s the ninth-worst figure in the league. If the Bears move on from linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, it would open up $15 million in cap space. Edmunds missed some time with an injury and was 70th among linebackers in yards allowed per coverage snap this season. Cole Kmet could be another cut, which would free up $8.4 million in space. DJ Moore isn’t going to be released due to his contract, but with the emergence of Luther Burden III, Moore could be a trade candidate, which could free up $16.5 million.

Key pending free agents

S Jaquan Brisker
S Kevin Byard III
CB Nahshon Wright
LB D’Marco Jackson

Brisker and Byard have made a solid safety duo for Chicago. Byard was a first-team All-Pro for the third time in his 10-year career. Brisker became a versatile piece, moving around the defense. He played more snaps around the line of scrimmage and was a heavier blitzer, especially without Kyler Gordon in the lineup. Wright had some big plays on the outside, but he was an example of the boom-or-bust nature of a defense that relied on turnovers. He ranked 67th among corners in adjusted yards allowed per coverage snap. Jackson was a pleasant surprise when he filled in at linebacker while the Bears went through injuries at the position. He was first in yards per coverage snap and added a sack and an interception.

Positional needs

Edge
Defensive back
Linebacker

Montez Sweat accounted for 28.3% of the Bears’ pressures, which was 13th in the league. There wasn’t a consistent pass rusher opposite him, which is why Chicago ranked 29th in pressure rate. There were some nice reps from Austin Booker, but a true No. 2 pass rusher is needed. Which position the Bears need to fill in the secondary will be determined by free agency. If one or both of Brisker and Byard leave, safety becomes a big hole. That would be especially true if the Bears lose the versatility from Brisker. An upgrade on outside corner is a need either way. Even with a league-leading 22 interceptions, the Bears ranked 19th in EPA per play against the pass. With Tremaine Edmunds a likely cut, Chicago’s linebacking depth will be bare. The Bears were 25th in DVOA against throws to the short middle of the field.

2026 NFL Draft picks

1st round, 25th pick
2nd round
3rd round
4th round (LAR)
5th round
7th round (PHI)
7th round

Good draft fit

Matayo Uiagalelei, edge, Oregon

Uiagalelei is the type of well-built 4-3 defensive end Dennis Allen could use to great effect. He can rush the passer and set the edge against the run, and with more development he could become much more than just the No. 2 pass rusher the Bears need.

Betting nugget

The Bears exceeded all expectations this season from oddsmakers, not only easily surpassing their win total of 8.5, but winning the NFC North at +450 preseason odds. — Ben Fawkes

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