The Bears’ top two free agency targets after their playoff loss to the Rams

This offseason will be a little different for Chicago Bears fans. For the first time in what seems like years, their preparations for the season started a few weeks later than usual. The Bears not only made it to the postseason, but also made it to the Divisional Round. It was a great season for the team.

Unfortunately for them, their Cinderella run ended in heartbreaking fashion against the Los Angeles Rams. Now, Chicago has more work to do in the offseason. Despite the playoff run, the Bears have clear holes on their roster that they will need to address in order to be a legitimate contender.

One way the Bears can improve their roster is through free agency. Let’s take a look at who the Bears should target in free agency to improve their roster.

The main needs of bears: defense, defense and defense

Let’s not beat around the bush: the Bears’ defense isn’t enough to win the Super Bowl. Ben Johnson has an incredible game on offense and Caleb Williams is a master in the fourth quarter, but winning through comebacks is not a sustainable way to win. Part of the reason the Bears have had to engineer comeback after comeback is because of their porous defense.

Their struggles can be stemmed from their inability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. The Bears sack the quarterback at the league’s 10th-highest rate, yet rank 22nd in the league in pressure rate. They also allowed the fifth most yards in the league last season. Simply put, their core linebackers and defensive lines need a complete overhaul.

Now, the Bears can also address this in the draft. That seems to be the best option, as there is no true defensive lineman or linebacker in this year’s free agent class. That being said, there are a few options for the Bears that should help them in that direction, provided they don’t break the bank on these players.

Odafe Oveh, DE

The Bears need more reliable depth at the defensive end position. A good DE room gives the defense a different look to throw at the quarterback. Whether it’s end speed or just speed, you need someone who can get to the quarterback either way.

The Bears’ starting defensive ends have fared quite well: Montez Sweat has continued to be the ever-reliable workhorse that drives the defensive line (10.5 sacks this year), while Austin Booker has been a nice star that the team hopes can improve in the future. However, outside of the two starters, the defensive ends have been underwhelming.

Oveh was an underrated defensive end for the Chargers. While he’s no Nick Bosa or Myles Garrett, the Chargers DE’s speed off the edge will be a nice weapon in Dennis Allen’s toolbox. Oveh recorded three sacks in the Chargers’ loss to the New England Patriots in the Wild Card round.

I will be dean, lb

Linebackers often get lost in conversations about defense, but the core of a good linebacker is often the difference between a good defense and a terrible defense. With how pass-happy teams are these days and the tight end operating more and more as a receiver, a good linebacker in coverage is essential to a defense’s success.

The Bears have a good core of running backs, but rising star Noah Sewell will likely be sidelined for the 2026 season with an Achilles tear. Dean has been a great coverage linebacker and can help add more juice to their pass rush (92.3 grade as a passer by PFF).