Chicago Bears 2026 Mock Offseason: Controlled Aggression

The new Chicago Bears 2026 mock offseason comes with better knowledge of how GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson might be able to approach next March and April. For some time, it was felt they were hamstrung by salary-cap constraints. In reality, there is more than enough wiggle room for the team to be aggressive if they wish. The trick is taking calculated swings on players they like without going overboard. Here is a new version of how they could approach matters.

The latest Chicago Bears 2026 mock offseason is about controlled aggression.

Trade:

WR D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills for a 4th round pick

Moore’s contract alone makes such a move something the Bears have to consider. His ongoing inconsistency on the field adds to it. Chicago has a lot of trade history with Buffalo. They sorely need another weapon for Josh Allen. Moore would be a good fit alongside Khalil Shakir. The Bears get a decent draft pick in return, along with $16 million in cap relief.

Cuts/Re-structures:

• Montez Sweat – 1-year extension (with void years) to save $16 million
• Tremaine Edmunds – released for $15 million
• Joe Thuney – conversion for $11.76 million
• Kiran Amegadjie – released for $1.05 million

Cap space: $65 million

Re-signings:

• Kevin Byard – 2-year deal for $15.6 million ($3.84 million cap hit in 2026)
• Jaquan Brisker – 3-year deal for $30 million ($4.34 million cap hit in 2026)
• D’Marco Jackson – 1-year deal for $1.33 million
• Dominique Robinson – 1-year deal for $1.33 million
• Jonathan Owens – 1-year deal for $1.26 million
• Daniel Hardy – 1-year deal for $1.26 million
• Noah Sewell – 1-year deal for $1.26 million
• Durham Smythe – 1-year deal for $1.07 million
• Jordan McFadden – 1-year deal for $1.07 million
• Scott Daly – 1-year deal for $1.07 million
• Theo Benedet – 1-year deal for $1.07 million
• Case Keenum – 1-year deal for $885,000

The Bears can keep their safety room intact without breaking the bank. With Edmunds out of the picture, keeping Jackson as your new starter at middle linebacker makes plenty of sense. That would allow T.J. Edwards to shift back to his natural outside spot. Everybody else provides quality, affordable depth or special teams help.

Cap Space: $48 million

Free Agency:

• EDGE Trey Hendrickson – 2-year deal for $50 million ($9.9 million cap hit in 2026)
• LT Cam Robinson – 1-year deal for $13 million ($6.15 million cap hit in 2026)
• DT John Franklin-Myers – 2-year deal for $15 million ($3.76 million cap hit in 2026)

Trading for Maxx Crosby sounds nice, but the price tag might be too much. Hendrickson has ties to Dennis Allen from their time in New Orleans together. When healthy, he remains a highly disruptive pass rusher. Pairing him with Montez Sweat and Austin Booker should give the Bears’ defense some juice, at least for a couple of seasons. Add Franklin-Myers as an interior rusher, and you’re cooking with gas. As for Robinson, he gives them some much-needed dependability at left tackle while Ozzy Trapilo rehabs.

Cap Space: $27.87 million

The Draft:

1st Round – T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Clemson has a track record for producing quality pass rushers in recent years. Parker didn’t quite have the same year he did in 2024, but he was still a consistent presence for the Tigers. He has the size and length needed to hold the edge while displaying a good mix of power and finesse to beat blockers around the edge. He’s not the most explosive in the world, but he’s a good athlete who makes the most of his gifts.

2nd Round – Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

The comparisons to Kenny Clark are well-earned. Miller is a big defensive tackle who is surprisingly quick and athletic. While he doesn’t produce much on the stat sheet, his ability to disrupt the interior gives opposing offenses fits. Blockers must always account for him or risk letting their game plans get ruined. The Bears really need somebody like that in the middle.

3rd Round – Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma

Ben Johnson loves two things: speed and YAC ability. It is why the Bears drafted Luther Burden last year. Burks checks those same boxes. He is a versatile weapon who can win deep or take a short pass for a long gain. Teams will knock him for his shorter size, but creative coaches can turn him into a dangerous weapon.

4th Round (via BUF) – DJ Campbell, OG, Texas

This Chicago Bears 2026 mock offseason would not end without some sort of offensive line investment. Campbell is a big guard with a mauling style in the run game and a good anchor in pass protection. His fundamentals could use work. Learning from Joe Thuney is never a bad thing.

4th Round – Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC

Life after Kevin Byard must be on the Bears’ minds. Fitzgerald certainly fits the same profile as an elite ballhawk. He has 10 interceptions over three years in college, demonstrating a strong range and terrific instincts. His size will be a frequent topic, which could limit his effectiveness against the run.

5th Round – Aiden Fisher, LB, Oklahoma

The Bears tried the pure athleticism route with Hyppolite last year. It didn’t work. This time they opt more for the proven production. Fisher has been a steady presence for the Sooners, showcasing a great mix of instincts, intelligence, leadership, and tenacity. Guys like him overachieve in the NFL.

7th Round (via CLE) – Xavier Nwankpa, S, Iowa

Iowa tends to produce good safety prospects. Nwankpa may not have the same pure instincts that many other safeties do, but he has a great mix of size and athleticism and he’s shown steady improvement over the course of his college career. He’s worth a gamble.

7th Round – Jaren Kanak, TE, Oklahoma

Kanak was a one-year wonder for Oklahoma, having converted to tight end from linebacker as a senior. He immediately posted over 500 yards thanks to his unique mix of speed and natural hands. He is still extremely raw, but prospects like him are worth the extra effort.