The Chicago Bears are coming off an impressive first season under head coach Ben Johnson, where they went 11-6, won the NFC North and made it to the divisional playoffs. And while there are high expectations for them heading into 2026, there are questions about whether they did enough to improve the roster this offseason.
The Bears didn’t any massive splashes this offseason, with their biggest free agent acquisitions coming with safety Coby Bryant and linebacker Devin Bush and first-round rookie safety Dillon Thieneman among an array of young offensive talent. But defensive line, widely considered the roster’s weakness, wasn’t addressed in a significant way, which has certainly drawn concerns after their struggles getting after the quarterback and against the run last season.
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz believes the Bears are among the five least-improved teams who could take a step back in 2026, which is due mostly to the defense rather than what he expects to be an improved offense.
The Bears had a poor defense last season and check a lot of boxes that suggest it will get even worse in 2026. Much better on third down than first or second down? Likely to get worse. Led the league in turnovers per drive? Likely to get worse. Lost talent in the offseason including both starting safeties, one of whom (Kevin Byard) was a first-team All-Pro? Likely to get worse.
The offense should improve in the second season with coach Ben Johnson, even despite the loss of center Drew Dalman and wide receiver DJ Moore. However, it will need to be very strong to overcome the defense and go 12-5 or better.
The Bears also have a tough schedule ahead of them with the most difficult strength of schedule coupled with playing in one of the most competitive divisions, as well as seven standalone games that include Thanksgiving and Christmas showdowns against NFC North rivals.
But Chicago did deal with a number of injuries on defense last season, so the hope is that the return of key contributors in full capacity, including cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, linebacker T.J. Edwards, defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo will help the defense turn things around.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears dubbed one of least-improved teams in 2026
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