The Chicago Bears have a busy offseason ahead of them, with general manager Ryan Poles already being active in trading veteran receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills and releasing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, as well as center Drew Dalman retiring early last week.
Already doing what he can to fill the voids on the roster, Poles and the Bears traded for veteran center Garrett Bradbury to replace Dalman and have been mentioned as a team that is not done exploring the trade market this offseason. Chicago also picked up a second-round pick in the trade that sent Moore to Buffalo, giving them four picks within the first 89 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With free agency set to begin on Monday, we’re taking a look at five moves that the Bears should consider to bolster their roster this offseason. Looking to build off a big 2025 year, where they won the NFC North in the first season under head coach Ben Johnson, Chicago needs to build on their momentum.
Re-sign S Kevin Byard
Both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are slated to hit free agency, meaning Chicago could be facing severe questions at the safety position, but they could shore it up quickly by agreeing to an extension with Byard. A leader of the team both on the field and in the locker room, Byard’s presence will be hard to match with another player, and he led the league in interceptions (7), won the team’s Defensive Player of the Year, served as a team captain while earning First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods. Bringing back Byard would be a huge win for Dennis Allen and the defense.
Sign LB Alex Anzalone
After releasing Tremaine Edmunds last week, Alex Anzalone has been a name to monitor for the Bears on the free agency market. Anzalone previously played with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen during their time together in New Orleans, where he played the first four years of his career. Anzalone’s biggest seasons came in 2022 and 2023 with the Detroit Lions, where he amassed over 120 tackles in each of those two seasons. He would also be a familiar face with Ben Johnson, who served as offensive coordinator in Detroit for three years before becoming the Bears head coach.
Sign LT Taylor Decker
Speaking of players with familiarity with Ben Johnson, the Bears may not have to look far for their new left tackle, a position that is of urgent attention this offseason. The team had done well with rookie Ozzy Trapilo, who took over late last year, but he suffered a torn patellar tendon in the NFC playoffs and will likely cost him most of the 2026 season. Last year, the Bears brought in a former Detroit Lion offensive lineman when they acquired Jonah Jackson, and now they can go back to the well and shore up the left tackle spot with a veteran left tackle who allowed just two sacks last year.
Sign CB Alontae Taylor
One more time for a reunion and connection with the Bears coaching staff, as Chicago could bring in another former player from Dennis Allen’s defense in cornerback Alontae Taylor. The Bears were connected to Taylor during the 2025 trade deadline, and the former Saints cornerback bid farewell to the organization on social media over the weekend. He could be a big signing if the team does lose Nahshon Wright in free agency.
Trade for impact pass rusher
Chicago missed out on Maxx Crosby and Khalil Mack, but they’ve been linked to nearly all edge rushers this offseason, and they could go back to the trade market to find the right fit. On Sunday, it was reported that the Eagles are open to listening to offers on two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who likely will not be as expensive as Crosby was on the trade market. Carter would not only help the pass rush but would bring a big upgrade at the defensive tackle position, a high priority for Chicago this offseason. If they decide to look on the cheaper side of the trade market, they could focus on New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is slated to make just under $15 million this season. The Giants have Brian Burns and Abdul Carter ahead of him on the depth chart, and he could get more opportunities on Chicago’s defensive line.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 5 moves the Bears should make in free agency
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
