Bears Predicted to Land Star Divisional Rival Defender in Free Agency

The Chicago Bears have a brand-new coaching staff led by former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson has the tall task of taking a 5-12 team and leading them to a positive record and playoff berth.

While the Bears have a solid team, they still have a huge lack on the defensive end side of things. Dayo Odeyingbo and Montez Sweat are solid players, but not enough to make believers out of fans and pundits.

The Bears' defense was one of the worst in 2025 in allowing rushing yards, with the league's fifth-worst, allowing 136.6 yards per game on the ground. The pass rush was dead center, allowing 217.9 yards per game in the passing category.

Simply put, the Bears need pass rushers, and they did not acquire anyone new during free agency. That means they could go for a proven veteran, and may look to none other than a divisional rival.

NFL insider Albert Breer not only predicted the Bears may address their pass rush woes, but also indicated they could target former Detroit Lions star Za'Darius Smith.

"I think that's all relative to what's out there. So they'll get a look at D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson at running back, and Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo (who plays some inside on passing downs) on the edges when the pads go on, and then maybe consider guys such as Jamaal Williams at running back or Za'Darius Smith or Matthew Judon as edge rushers," Breer wrote.

Smith would be a solid contributor and a clear upgrade. He secured nine sacks with the Lions and Cleveland Browns in 2024, but was released by the Lions in March. It is a bit strange that he has not been picked up by any team, and it is believed that he won't wait long to join a new team.

Granted, the Bears might want to see what their defense can do in training camp and preseason, but if the pass rush is not where it needs to be, they might choose to call Smith and see if they can strike a deal with the All-Pro.

Newly promoted defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard needs to evaluate the group during training camp, and improving the pass rush and defensive end situation should be at the top of the list in terms of red flag issues.

Smith is also a consummate pro and would be valuable to any roster. The Bears signing him after his time with the Lions would be fantastic.