Bears' 2026 Free Agents, Targets and Draft Needs After NFL Playoff Loss

It wouldn't exactly be fair to call the Chicago Bears one of the NFL's biggest surprises in 2025. After all, quarterback Caleb Williams carried lofty expectations after being the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, and new head coach Ben Johnson was widely expected to unlock Williams' potential.

Still, few would have expected Chicago's plan to unfold as scripted the way it did. The Bears didn't just take a step this past season; they surged to the top of the NFC North, claiming their first division title since 2018.

With Williams playing like a top-tier quarterback, the offense steadily evolving under Johnson, and with an opportunistic defense capable of creating turnovers in bunches, the Bears entered the playoffs as a legitimate threat.

Now that Chicago's postseason has reached its conclusion, however, it's back to work for Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles.

As impressive as the Bears were in 2025, they have areas of the roster that can be improved. Free agency is set to officially begin on March 11, and the 2026 draft will kick off on April 23. Before those two tentpole offseason events, Chicago will have to address a few of its own contracts and decide where the biggest weaknesses reside.

Free Agents

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Bears S Kevin Byard

Unrestricted Free Agents

DL Andrew Billings

S Jaquan Brisker

S Kevin Byard

LS Scott Daly

WR Devin Duvernay

CB Elijah Hicks

RB Travis Homer

LB D'Marco Jackson

OT Braxton Jones

S Jaylon Jones

QB Case Keenum

CB Nick McCloud

S Jonathan Owens

Edge Dominique Robinson

TE Durham Smythe

Edge Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

DL Chris Williams

CB Nashon Wright

WR Olamide Zaccheaus

Restricted/Exclusive-Rights Free Agents

LT Theo Benedet

Edge Daniel Hardy

LB Noah Sewell

It'll be interesting to see how Poles and the Bears approach the 2026 offseason after largely focusing on boosting the offense in 2025. That was, of course, the right decision, since aiding Williams was the primary goal.

Now, Chicago may consider overhauling a defense that was great at generating takeaways in 2025 but largely underwhelming overall. If that's the course the Bears decide to take, free agents like Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, Andrew Billings, Nashon Wright, Jonathan Owns, and Nick McCloud could be on their way out.

The Bears are projected to have just $5.9 million in cap space, and it could be difficult to justify bringing back many pieces from a defense that was barely above-average.

Byard might be the exception, given his veteran leadership and penchant for takeaways—he had seven interceptions this past season.

Chicago will also have a difficult decision to make with left tackle Braxton Jones, who was serviceable early in his career but was benched in 2025. Jones also landed on IR with a knee injury this past season.

Realistically, Poles may choose to bring back only a handful of players and look to reload with bargain free agents and in the draft.

Potential Free-Agent/Trade Targets

AP Photo/David Dermer

DT D.J. Reader

Because of their cap situation, the Bears probably won't be looking to add any big names through the trade market. In fact, they're far more likely to trade a notable player than pursue one.

Wide receiver D.J. Moore looms as a potential trade chip, given Chicago's young depth at receiver. Moore would bring a reasonable return on the trade market, and moving him would save $16.5 million in cap space.

Tight end Cole Kmet is another logical trade candidate, given the presence of first-round pick Colston Loveland. Trading Kmet would generate $8.4 million in additional cap space. Chicago could also look to get back a younger/cheaper player in a trade for Moore or Kmet.

If Chicago moves Moore and Kmet, they could have the financial flexibility to chase some bigger names on the free-agent market, like pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, safety Kamren Curl, cornerback Alontae Taylor, defensive tackle D.J. Reader, and offensive tackle Rasheed Walker.

If the Bears don't better their cap situation, they'll likely be looking at bargain free agents who will be open to team-friendly deals.

If Chicago's cap situation remains largely unchanged, expect free agents like offensive tackle Jedrick Wills (currently unsigned), cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu, edge Joseph Ossai, and defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk to be more realistic free-agent targets.

Don't expect Poles to be as aggressive as he was last offseason, unless he can shed some serious salary first.

Draft Targets

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Penn State S prospect Zakee Wheatley

The Bears are currently slated to hold seven selections in April's draft, including one each in the first four rounds. Expect them to target premium positions, like offensive tackle, safety, and edge-rusher, early in the draft because of the potential savings rookie contracts can bring.

It's worth remembering that Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze will both be extension-eligible in a year.

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department paired Chicago with Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley in its post-regular season mock draft:

"He was always around the football thanks to great instincts and play recognition," Daniel Harms of the B/R Scouting Department said. "The 6'2", 202-pound safety presents significant versatility and coordinator Dennis Allen could do a lot with his skill set."

Prospects like Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, Clemson edge-rusher T.J. Parker, Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton, and Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad would also make sense for the Bears in Round 1.

Ideally, Chicago will come away from the draft with a starting-caliber defensive back, offensive and defensive linemen, and another edge-rusher. Expect prospects like Oklahoma edge R Mason Thomas, Ohio State corner Davison Igbinosun, Northwestern offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan, and Alabama safety Bray Hubbard to interest the Bears on Day 2.

Chicago could also look to take a running back early, since cutting D'Andre Swift before March 15 would save $7.5 million in cap space. A prospect like Penn State's Kaytron Allen or Arkansas's Mike Washington Jr. could be a fine complement to 2025 rookie Kyle Monangai.

*Cap, contract and free-agent status information via Spotrac. Draft information via Tankathon