The Chicago Bears are coming off an impressive 2025 season, where first-year head coach Ben Johnson led the team from worst to first, an NFC North title and the franchise’s first playoff win in nearly two decades. Now, heading into 2026, expectations are even higher.
The defense led the NFL in takeaways (33) and interceptions (23) last season, but that doesn’t erase their struggles against the pass rush (35 sacks) and run defense (131.4 yards per game), which were among the worst in the NFL. The Bears did have a number of injuries to key defenders last season, including cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, linebacker T.J. Edwards and defensive ends Austin Booker and Dayo Odeyingbo. So getting them back should be key for Dennis Allen’s defense.
Here’s a look at the Pro Football Focus grades from 2025 featuring this year’s projected starters on defense, where there’s some improvement to be made for returning veterans and Chicago’s new additions are coming off impressive seasons.
PFF grades (2025) for Bears’ projected starters on defense:
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: PFF grades for Bears’ projected starting defense in 2026
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
