Updated March 7, 2026, 8:00 p.m. CT
The Chicago Bears are re-evaluating their offseason strategy after several major roster changes.Chicago missed out on trading for pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who was sent to the Baltimore Ravens.The team is now considering several high-profile free agent and trade options to improve their pass rush.Potential targets include Trey Hendrickson, Cam Jordan, Khalil Mack, Boye Mafe, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
The Chicago Bears will need to pivot their offseason plans as they look to improve and reconstruct their roster for the 2026 season, the second under head coach Ben Johnson.
Earlier in the week, Chicago had three major roster moves — trading wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, releasing veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and the sudden retirement of center Drew Dalman, all of which shuffled the priority list this offseason.
There had been plenty of rumors and speculation that the Bears were one of several teams that were interested in trading for superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby, but on Friday he was sent from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round picks.
Now, Chicago has one less option at edge rusher heading into free agency, and there are still plenty of high-level names available. Here’s five names the Bears should consider bringing in to help elevate the edge rush:
Trey Hendrickson
Arguably the top available free agent pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson would have an opportunity to reunite with his former coach Dennis Allen, the current Bears defensive coordinator. While he did not have the year he is accustomed to while playing on the franchise tag for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025, Hendrickson compiled 17.5 sacks both in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
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Another former player of Dennis Allen’s, the 36-year old Cam Jordan would likely be a less expensive and short-term contract compared to what Hendrickson is likely going to get on the open market. After a couple of down seasons, Jordan bounced back with 10.5 sacks for the New Orleans Saints in 2025, and he would be quite the veteran leader in the locker room who could also help build the younger talent around him with his familiar coach’s system.
Khalil Mack
Let’s go to another reunion, and maybe one last run for Khalil Mack in the navy and orange. The former Bears, Chargers, and Raiders edge rusher has said he plans to play in the 2026 season, and no one would be disappointed to see him return to Chicago. Mack piled up 36.5 sacks in the last four seasons with the Chargers, and if he wanted to return to a familiar place with one more potential run to a Super Bowl, the Bears and Mack could be the right match. Update: The Chargers are re-signing Mack to a one-year deal
Speaking of players with championship experience, Boye Mafe is coming off a Super Bowl championship run with the Seattle Seahawks last season. Seattle’s defense helped carried the team to a Lombari Trophy with a collective effort, so Mafe’s contract would likely be one that pays him fairly, but offers him an opportunity to show what he could do with more opportunities. Mafe is also praised for his ability to be a strong run stopper, which is an overlooked key to what he could bring to the Bears defense.
Kayvon Thibodeaux
The only trade candidate on the list, Kayvon Thibodeaux, 25, has shown plenty of potential but has not been given ample opportunity to showcase all of what he is capable of. His breakout season came in 2023 when he had 11.5 sacks for the New York Giants, but his career total is just 23.5 over his first four season. If the Bears can swing a trade for Thibodeaux that would cost them a Day 2 or Day 3 pick next season, similar to how they landed Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots on Friday, then it’ll show the mindset of general manager Ryan Poles trying to find the talent at an affordable price that just need the opportunity to thrive.