Are the Bears About to Beef Up Their Pass Rush Again?
With training camp creeping up fast, the Bears might not be done tweaking the roster—especially when it comes to getting more juice off the edge.
According to Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated, Chicago is still kicking the tires on a few free agents, including some pretty well-known names. In a recent mailbag, Breer tossed out a few potential adds, like veteran edge rushers Za’Darius Smith and Matthew Judon.
Here’s the deal: the Bears are already planning to take a hard look at guys like Montez Sweat and newcomer Dayo Odeyingbo once the pads go on, and at running back, it’s D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson battling it out. But if those guys don’t pop, don’t be surprised if GM Ryan Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson go shopping again. Names like Jamaal Williams (RB) and those edge rushers? Still very much on the radar.
A Fresh Start Under Ben Johnson
Speaking of Coach Johnson—yeah, the same one who helped turn the Lions’ offense into a powerhouse—he’s now in charge in Chicago, and he’s been busy. He’s been working with Poles to overhaul the O-line and give Caleb Williams a stronger supporting cast after last year’s rough 5-12 finish. Remember, all three of Chicago’s division rivals made the playoffs last season. Not a great look.
While the offense has gotten most of the love this offseason, the defense hasn’t been totally ignored. Chicago added Grady Jarrett and Odeyingbo, but neither guy is known for wrecking quarterbacks. If this team wants to get serious about making a playoff push in 2025, adding one more disruptive presence off the edge could be a game-changer.
Could Judon Be That Guy?
Matthew Judon could be that spark, even if he’s not in his prime anymore. The 33-year-old used to be a problem—four straight Pro Bowls from 2019–2022 and a top-10 finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting just a couple years ago.
Over that Pro Bowl run, he stacked up 43.5 sacks, and he’s got 72 total in his career. The only reason he hasn’t been lighting it up lately? A torn biceps cost him most of the 2023 season. He bounced back in 2024, played in all 17 games for the Falcons, but wasn’t quite his old self: just 5.5 sacks and 9 QB hits.
At this point, Judon wouldn’t be a full-time starter. But as a situational pass rusher? He could still cause some chaos in key moments—something this Bears defense could really use if they’re serious about sneaking into the playoffs.
Bears Not Done Yet — That $55M Edge Threat Still in Their Sights
