The Chicago Bears stand at a critical crossroads this offseason, with seismic decisions looming that could either propel the franchise into championship contention or stall its hard-earned momentum. A confluence of salary cap pressure, injury history, and strategic opportunity is forcing General Manager Ryan Poles into a high-stakes calculus that will define the team’s immediate future.
At the heart of the looming roster shakeup is the precarious status of safety Jaquan Brisker. The 2022 second-round pick, once envisioned as a defensive cornerstone, now faces an uncertain future in Chicago. A deeply concerning pattern of concussions, which caused him to miss 12 games in the 2024 season alone, has cast a long shadow over his career trajectory. The organization must now weigh sentiment against sobering reality.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune has reported it is difficult to imagine Brisker returning next season, a sentiment seemingly echoed by the player’s own social media activity. While his playoff performance against the Los Angeles Rams showcased his heart, the Bears’ dire salary cap situation, sitting at an estimated $17.4 million over the limit, makes a significant investment in a player with his medical history a profound risk. With All-Pro safety Kevin Byard also a free agent, the choice for a cap-strapped team appears clear.
This potential departure, however painful, could pave the way for a franchise-altering acquisition. An elite solution to the Bears’ anemic pass rush has emerged, and it comes with a built-in schematic advantage. Veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, a likely cap casualty for the Cincinnati Bengals, is poised to hit the market.
Hendrickson’s connection to Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is the catalyst for this explosive possibility. He flourished under Allen with the New Orleans Saints, erupting for 13.5 sacks in 2020. That chemistry could be the key to unlocking a defensive transformation. Chicago’s pressure rate ranked a dismal 29th in the league last season, leaving Montez Sweat to fight a solitary battle.
The prospect of pairing Sweat with a proven, coordinated force like Hendrickson would instantly elevate the defense from good to fearsome. Spotrac projects his market value at approximately $25.4 million annually, a staggering figure for a team in negative cap space. Acquiring him would demand brutal financial gymnastics: restructuring contracts, cutting veterans, and fully committing to a win-now mindset around quarterback Caleb Williams.
Yet, even a revitalized pass rush cannot mask a more fundamental flaw. The Bears’ run defense was a glaring liability, allowing a crushing five yards per carry. Controlling the clock and the line of scrimmage remains the identity of the NFC North, and Chicago was consistently manhandled. This brings the NFL Draft into sharp focus, with the 25th overall pick presenting a pivotal opportunity.
Analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has mocked Ohio State defensive tackle Kaden McDonald to Chicago, a selection that would directly address the team’s soft underbelly. McDonald is a prototype run-stuffing force, earning the highest run-defense grade among defensive linemen from Pro Football Focus last season. He represents a return to the “Monsters of the Midway” ethos, a 326-pound anchor who can command double teams and liberate linebackers.
Drafting McDonald would be a statement: the Bears intend to reclaim physical dominance in the trenches. While his pass-rush production is limited, his ability to shut down opposing ground games is precisely the medicine required for a defense that too often failed in critical short-yardage situations. In the frigid crucible of a January playoff game, such a player is invaluable.
The interconnected nature of these decisions creates a domino effect for Poles. Moving on from Brisker could free necessary capital. Investing heavily in Hendrickson would address the premier pass-rush need but require further sacrifices. Using a first-round pick on McDonald would fortify the defensive interior for years to come. Each move carries significant risk and potential reward.
This offseason is a definitive test of the front office’s conviction. Will they make the emotionally difficult but financially prudent call on a homegrown player? Will they aggressively pursue a high-cost veteran who offers a proven schematic fit and immediate impact? Will they prioritize foundational trench warfare over flashier selections?
The answers will reveal whether the Bears view themselves as a pleasant playoff surprise or a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The window with a cost-controlled quarterback is open. The division rivals are formidable. The path forward requires courage, creativity, and a ruthless commitment to building a complete roster. For a fanbase weary of mediocrity, these next few weeks will be the most telling of the Poles era. The decisions made now will echo through Soldier Field for seasons to come.
