The Chicago Bears have some improvements and changes that they need to make on their roster before the 2026 NFL season. While the offense took a giant step forward under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the defense was inconsistent at times. All year long, Chicago’s defense made a living by forcing turnovers. Indeed, they forced more turnovers than any team in the NFL.
That being said, the Bears ranked near the bottom of the NFL in yards and passing yards allowed per game. It was a weakness that ended up costing them in the postseason, as they could not get crucial stops against the Los Angeles Rams.
With this in mind Chicago’s defensive back room could look very different in 2026.
Chicago Bears #1 off-season priority should be addressing the secondary
Oct 13, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) and Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) after Brisker sacked Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
In a recent article published on NFL.com, analyst Matt Okada identified what he believes should be the number one off-season priority for each NFL team. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he identified the secondary as the top Bears need:
“The Chicago Bears allowed 7.8 yards per pass attempt (third-most in the league) and 10 deep passing touchdowns (tied for second-most per NFL Pro) in 2025. Across their six losses, they surrendered 245.5 passing yards per game (seventh-most in losses) and 33.0 points per game (third-most in losses). Despite a resurgent season overall, their defense was typically their undoing.
“Now, GM Ryan Poles and Co. are $5.3 million over the salary cap and staring down the departure of full-time defensive backs Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, Nahshon Wright and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (acquired in a midseason trade), who are all set to be unrestricted free agents this March. Chicago needs to get better on the back end, not barer (no pun intended).
“Whether by extending their impending free agents, signing new ones or bringing in new blood through the draft — Daniel Jeremiah has them selecting Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman 25th overall — the Bears need to shore up their secondary.”
Chicago, indeed, has to figure out what they will do with their secondary room with so many impending free agents. The fact of the matter, unfortunately, is that they will not be able to re-sign everyone that they might want to.
That being said, in addition to improving and replenishing their secondary room, the Bears must also find another effective pass rusher. Improving the defensive line will have a trickle-down effect to the defensive backs.
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