INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (104.3 The Score) – A year ago at this time, the Bears’ offensive line was a glaring weakness. That all changed in the span of a week last March.
The Bears acquired All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney and right guard Jonah Jackson in trades, then signed veteran center Drew Dalman on the first day of free agency. The offensive line was then pivotal in Chicago’s turnaround on offense as the Bears went 11-6 and won the NFC North crown.
Now, the Bears have glaring needs on their defensive line. They’re looking for more from that unit, though general manager Ryan Poles indicated a complete overhaul isn’t on the docket. They’re looking to improve it to create a disruptive front but don’t believe a sweeping overhaul is needed.
“I do think on our D-line, I think there were some situations mostly injury that didn’t allow that to really come together the way it was supposed to,” Poles said Tuesday at the NFL Combine. “So, I look forward to that happening. But we’re also going to have to continue to bring talent in to create competition so that our defense can take the next step.”
The Bears had a breakthrough 2025 season despite their inconsistency on defense. The Bears had an NFL-leading 33 takeaways but ranked 29th in total defense and 23rd in scoring defense. Their 35 sacks tied for 22nd in the NFL. They’re unlikely to produce the same turnover magic, which underscores the need for Poles to address the defensive line.
While the name of five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby is certainly attractive if the Raiders are willing to trade him, Poles understands that he needs to be prudent with the Bears’ long-term aspirations. He recognizes that the Bears’ defense isn’t one pass rusher away from being dominant.
The Seahawks won Super Bowl this past season in large part due to their dominant defensive front. Seattle was led by three players who recorded seven sacks. A year prior, the Eagles won the Super Bowl with their leader in sacks recording eight.
“We just need good football players all across the board,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson said. “And so as far as I'm concerned, I don't mind so much if that's the interior rush – oh, sure, we'll take it. If that’s the guy that's on the edge fits the bill, sure, we'll take that as well.”
The Bears are hoping for a continued ascension from third-year defensive end Austin Booker, who logged 4.5 sacks in 10 games in 2025 after recovering from a knee injury. They also hope to get more from defensive end Montez Sweat and that defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo can make an impact once he returns from an Achilles injury.
Odeyingbo is on track to return for training camp, and production from him would be pivotal as he enters the second season of a three-year, $48-million contract.
If they don’t acquire star in his prime like Crosby, the Bears figure to look for veteran rotational rushers. That could include Khalil Mack, who played in Chicago from 2018-’21, or perhaps Cam Jordan if he’s willing to leave his 15-year home of New Orleans and reunite with Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
The top pass rusher projected to be available in free agency is Trey Hendrickson, who will be returning from core muscle surgery. Hendrickson is a four-time Pro Bowler with 81 career sacks. The Bengals indicated at the NFL Combine that they’re still considering their options with him. If they don’t place a tag on him, he’ll hit the open market.
As the Bears look toward this NFL Draft, they’ll find a class ripe with defensive end talent. Potential fits for Chicago with the 25th overall pick include Missouri’s Zion Young, Miami’s Akheem Mesidor and Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell.
“A guy that’s going to come in and work every day, be the same guy every day, bring the same motor, the same energy, the same effort,” Howell said of what he’ll bring the team that drafts him. “I hold my hat on treating every drill, every play, every practice, every rep as if it’s my last. I put forth my full effort.”
Defensive tackle is another position where the Bears are hoping for better health. Veteran Grady Jarrett played through a knee injury for much of the 2025 season. The team is hopeful that Jarrett’s best days aren’t in the past. The Bears could use a bounce-back season from him, because the interior defensive line options are thin in free agency.
The Bears could find a young defensive tackle in the draft. Clemson’s Peter Woods and Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald could be fits at No. 25 overall.
“On early downs, I can stop the run, and on third downs, I can push the pocket,” McDonald said. “I’m a complete player.
“I believe I’m the best defensive tackle in this draft class.”
The Bears hope for a significant uptick in production from their defensive line. It won’t necessarily require a complete overhaul, but several key additions could improve the performance up front.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for TheScoreChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.