The Chicago Bears added seven rookies in the 2026 NFL Draft, including safety Dillon Thieneman. However, they did not draft an edge rusher, indicating a potential need for free-agent acquisitions before the season.
Key points
Chicago Bears drafted seven rookies in 2026 NFL Draft
First-round pick was safety Dillon Thieneman
Bears focused on offensive players on Day 2
No edge rushers were drafted
Potential for free-agent acquisitions before the season
Chicago BearsDillon ThienemanLogan JonesSam Roush
The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, and the Chicago Bears have welcomed seven new rookies to the roster. They landed a steal in Safety Dillon Thieneman in the first round before going all-offense on Day 2 with center Logan Jones, tight end Sam Roush and receiver Zavion Thomas. The Bears also found great value on Day 3 with cornerback Malik Muhammad, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg.
While not every player will have an immediate impact or opportunity, Chicago could be a team that continues to dip into the free agent market ahead of the 2026 season, looking to add more veteran talent and experience across the board.
Despite having seven total picks in this year's draft, the Bears did not draft a single edge rusher, and the only defensive lineman they took was Jordan van den Burg, a defensive tackle out of Georgia Tech, in the sixth round.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
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Grading every Bears pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
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Grading every Bears pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
Needing to address a few more holes on the roster, specifically in the trenches, the Bears will have plenty of opportunity to add known veteran talent that can quickly upgrade the roster. Here are our Top 10 available free agents that fit the Bears needs following the 2026 NFL Draft:
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Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) looks to pass against Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa (97) in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) looks to pass against Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa (97) in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
One of the best pass rushers available, Joey Bosa is coming off a productive season in his one-year stop with the Buffalo Bills, where he totaled five sacks and five forced fumbles in Buffalo's defense. He addressed the Bills' need for a pass rusher last season and could do the same in Chicago, making a good pairing across from Montez Sweat, and a good mentor for younger rushers such as Austin Booker.
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) stands on the field prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) stands on the field prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
If Calais Campbell wants to continue playing football, maybe the energy and culture around the Bears would be enough to intrigue him for one more season on the field. Campbell would be another veteran signing at defensive tackle, after they signed Grady Jarrett last season, but his leadership can't be matched and he's coming off a 6.5 sack season for the Arizona Cardinals.
AJ Epenesa, DE
Jan 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets quarterback Brady Cook (4) runs from Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets quarterback Brady Cook (4) runs from Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
One of the younger free agents available, AJ Epenesa had his one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns rescinded due to concerns with physical, so he's still on the open market. He'll likely only be able to land a one-year deal still, and if the Bears' medical staff are comfortable with bringing him in, he'd have a chance to build off a productive career so far, where he's had 24 sacks and four interceptions in his first six seasons with Buffalo.
DJ Reader, DT
Detroit Lions nose tackle DJ Reader (98) warms up before the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Ford Field in Detroit on Oct. 27, 2024.
Detroit Lions nose tackle DJ Reader (98) warms up before the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Ford Field in Detroit on Oct. 27, 2024.
Another veteran at the defensive tackle spot, DJ Reader has reportedly garnered interest from the New York Giants, who recently traded Dexter Lawrence. But the Bears shouldn't be afraid to throw their name in the mix. Reader is not going to provide many sacks, however, he did play in all 17 games for the Detroit Lions last season, totaling 28 tackles and would be more of a signing to add a leader than a high-level producer.
Theo Benedet, Braxton Jones, and Jedrick Willis are all expected to compete for the starting left tackle spot as Ozzy Trapilo recovers from a ruptured patella tendon. None of the aforementioned names bring a high-level of comfort and confidence, so insert Taylor Decker, who has plenty of familiarity with Bears head coach Ben Johnson dating back to their days with the Detroit Lions. In the 14 games he played for Detroit last season, Decker had four penalties and allowed three sacks, but could be a reasonable one-year signing for the Bears as they await the return of Trapilo.
Sep 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs with the ball while being pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Haason Reddick (5) the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs with the ball while being pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Haason Reddick (5) the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Another veteran edge rusher who has a real knack for getting after the quarterback, Haason Reddick has had down seasons the past two years, totaling just 3.5 sacks, but had double digit sacks the previous four seasons before that. If the Bears feel he still has some gas left in the tank and can get him back to somewhere near his earlier production, Reddick would be a good situational pass rush signing.
Dec 28, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) gives chase to Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) during the second half of the game at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) gives chase to Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) during the second half of the game at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
This one is strictly for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who coached Cameron Jordan for several seasons during their time together with the New Orleans Saints. Jordan can still get after the quarterback, bouncing back in 2025 with 10.5 sacks, but then departing this offseason with the only team he had play for since 2011. The 36-year old veteran would help teach and mentor younger Bears defenders on the defensive line, but also help bring a level of understanding to Allen's defense as the defensive coordinator moves into his second season with Chicago.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (42), Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (42), Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.
Despite playing for three different organizations over the past three years, Jadeveon Clowney has totaled 23.5 sacks during his stints with the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and Dallas Cowboys this past season. The 33-year old should have plenty of juice left in his tank and it's quite surprising that he's still available on the open market.
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson (6) intercepts the ball against the New York Giants during overtime at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson (6) intercepts the ball against the New York Giants during overtime at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Yes, the Bears signed Coby Bryant and drafted Dillon Thieneman to revamp their safety position, but they still need depth behind both of their expected starters. Another potential reunion on the table here as Wilson could get back with his former defensive backs coach Al Harris, who thrived on the Dallas sideline before making his way to the Bears coaching staff. Last season, Wilson totaled 71 tackles, five passes defended, two interceptions, and one forced fumble for the Cowboys defense.
Houston Texans offensive tackle Cam Robinson (74) blocks during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium.
Houston Texans offensive tackle Cam Robinson (74) blocks during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium.
A very talented and skilled offensive tackle, who has struggled with penalties at times, Cam Robinson's best shot at getting one more big contract is signing a one-year prove it deal. That could suit him well in Chicago, as he's got a bit more credibility on his resume compared to who the Bears have competing at left tackle. And if he doesn't get the starting job, it would cost very little for the Bears to part ways if they signed just a one-year deal for him.
