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The NFL offseason is in full swing, where teams are looking to accomplish what the Seattle Seahawks did in winning the Super Bowl, which involves improving the roster through free agency, the NFL draft and trades. For the Chicago Bears, that could be the difference in another second-round exit, winning the Super Bowl, or taking a step backward.
Heading into the offseason, the Bears have a few glaring needs -- the defensive line (both tackle and end), safety and left tackle. Some may think one is more important than the other, but the truth is, they probably need to address all of them if they want to have success again in 2026.
While the Bears appeared to have found a potential left tackle of the future in rookie Ozzy Trapilo, he suffered a ruptured patellar tendon during the wild-card playoffs that will sideline him for an unknown amount of time. That means Chicago needs to find a solution at left tackle, be it short-term or long-term.
Trapilo really started to grasp the position as a rookie, but now he’s going through a very difficult recovery process. Free agent Braxton Jones is not likely to return, and while Theo Benedet will be back in 2026, he's not the long-term answer.
The good news is the other four positions on the offensive line are set, which leaves an important hole to fill at left tackle. Chicago should think long and hard about addressing it in a big way.
No rule says that the Bears can’t address both the defensive line and left tackle. Elite resources should be used on both. They revamped most of their offensive line last offseason; there is no reason they can’t do that to their defensive line this time around while also addressing left tackle.
If the Bears add a star pass rusher, it will take some pressure off Montez Sweat and likely increase his production. In doing so, they will have the pass rush needed for the defense to take a step forward. They were turnover merchants in 2025, and that allowed them to win a few extra games. Repeating that turnover margin in 2026 is unlikely, so getting the pass rush going is a must.
If the Bears address one issue and not the other, they may find themselves looking for answers at the end of next season. At that point, the fresh new smell will be gone. The 2026 season is about competing for the big prize, winning the Super Bowl. Failing to at least make a run will be a massive disappointment.
If Chicago doesn't solidify left tackle and add significant help to the defensive line, they are down a bad path. There are plenty of avenues (NFL draft, free agency, trades) to get this done. It's on general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson to find the right help.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears need to prioritize left tackle this 2026 offseason
Continue reading...
Heading into the offseason, the Bears have a few glaring needs -- the defensive line (both tackle and end), safety and left tackle. Some may think one is more important than the other, but the truth is, they probably need to address all of them if they want to have success again in 2026.
While the Bears appeared to have found a potential left tackle of the future in rookie Ozzy Trapilo, he suffered a ruptured patellar tendon during the wild-card playoffs that will sideline him for an unknown amount of time. That means Chicago needs to find a solution at left tackle, be it short-term or long-term.
Trapilo really started to grasp the position as a rookie, but now he’s going through a very difficult recovery process. Free agent Braxton Jones is not likely to return, and while Theo Benedet will be back in 2026, he's not the long-term answer.
The good news is the other four positions on the offensive line are set, which leaves an important hole to fill at left tackle. Chicago should think long and hard about addressing it in a big way.
No rule says that the Bears can’t address both the defensive line and left tackle. Elite resources should be used on both. They revamped most of their offensive line last offseason; there is no reason they can’t do that to their defensive line this time around while also addressing left tackle.
If the Bears add a star pass rusher, it will take some pressure off Montez Sweat and likely increase his production. In doing so, they will have the pass rush needed for the defense to take a step forward. They were turnover merchants in 2025, and that allowed them to win a few extra games. Repeating that turnover margin in 2026 is unlikely, so getting the pass rush going is a must.
If the Bears address one issue and not the other, they may find themselves looking for answers at the end of next season. At that point, the fresh new smell will be gone. The 2026 season is about competing for the big prize, winning the Super Bowl. Failing to at least make a run will be a massive disappointment.
If Chicago doesn't solidify left tackle and add significant help to the defensive line, they are down a bad path. There are plenty of avenues (NFL draft, free agency, trades) to get this done. It's on general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson to find the right help.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears need to prioritize left tackle this 2026 offseason
Continue reading...
