With the 2026 NFL Draft now in the books and rookie minicamps on the horizon, the Chicago Bears are turning their attention to the final stretch of the offseason. After an impressive 11-6 campaign that secured their first NFC North title in seven years, the Bears know the division will be fiercely competitive once again. While their offseason moves have made headlines, there are still a few critical gaps on the roster that need addressing before training camp kicks off.
The good news? Quality free agents remain available, and the trade market could offer solutions. But for now, let’s focus on the positions that need the most attention. Here are the three biggest remaining needs for the Bears.
1. Defensive End – The Most Glaring Hole
General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have been clear from the start: the Bears need more production from their pass rush. They’ve pointed to the last two Super Bowl champions, who used waves of edge rushers to overwhelm elite quarterbacks. Yet, despite this emphasis, Chicago failed to make a significant move at the position.
The free-agent market proved too pricey for their budget—and it’s hard to blame them. Players like Jaelen Phillips landed $30 million per year despite never cracking 10 sacks in his first five seasons. The expectation was that the Bears would invest a high draft pick in an edge rusher instead. But when the board fell, they opted for the higher-graded talent in safety Dillon Thieneman, watching a run on defensive ends in the second round before their first selection at pick 57.
Now, the team is banking on bounce-back performances from Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner. Both are motivated but coming off serious leg injuries, and neither is guaranteed to be fully healthy for Week 1. To make matters worse, both struggled with consistency before their injuries. If the Bears want to pressure quarterbacks like Jared Goff and Jordan Love in the NFC North, they’ll need more firepower off the edge.
2. Interior Offensive Line – Protecting Caleb Williams
The Bears invested heavily in their offensive line this offseason, but the interior still raises questions. With a young franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams, keeping the pocket clean is non-negotiable. While the tackle spots look solid, the guard and center positions could use an upgrade in depth or a proven starter. A savvy veteran addition here could make all the difference in Williams’ development and the team’s playoff aspirations.
3. Cornerback Depth – Staying Competitive in a Passing League
The Bears have a strong top duo at cornerback, but the depth behind them is thin. In a division loaded with talented receivers and quarterbacks, one injury could expose a weakness. Adding a reliable veteran or a young player with upside would provide insurance and allow defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus to stay aggressive with his schemes.
As training camp approaches, the Bears have a solid foundation but still have work to do. Whether through free agency, trades, or internal development, addressing these needs could be the difference between another division title and an early playoff exit. For Bears fans, the next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the team’s 2026 identity.