The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 training camp facing critical questions on the defensive side after an 11-6 season in 2025 marked by significant struggles despite a league-leading 33 takeaways. The team ranked near the bottom in total yards allowed (29th), run defense (27th), and pass defense (22nd), prompting substantial offseason adjustments under head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

At defensive end, the Bears are relying entirely on returning players, with no additions made in free agency or the draft. Montez Sweat led the unit last season with 10 sacks, while Austin Booker, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Shemar Turner return from serious injuries. Booker, a fifth-round pick from 2024, ended last year on an upward trajectory, and coaches remain optimistic about Odeyingbo’s rebound after an Achilles injury. Despite the lack of fresh talent at the position, the defense aims to improve pressure on quarterbacks by strengthening the front seven overall, particularly through enhancements at linebacker and safety. Johnson expressed confidence in Sweat’s continued growth and hinted at a possible veteran addition at defensive end during training camp.

The defensive tackle group has seen a more significant overhaul. Alongside returning starters Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter Sr., the team added Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, and James Lynch through free agency, supplemented by draft picks Jordan van den Berg and undrafted rookie Jayden Loving. The Bears’ main challenge remains improving their run defense, which last season allowed 134.5 rushing yards per game, ranking 27th in the league. Jarrett’s effectiveness was limited by a lingering knee issue in 2025, while Dexter enters a contract year following back-to-back seasons with solid sack totals. The new additions are expected to bolster the rotation and help shore up run-stopping efforts.

Linebacker remains a focal point of the offseason overhaul, highlighted by the departure of veteran Tremaine Edmunds and the signing of Devin Bush to a three-year, $30 million contract. Bush, coming off a career-best season, is expected to bring increased speed and versatility to the middle of the defense, aligning with Allen’s preference for a faster, more adaptable linebacker corps. He will pair primarily with returning starter T.J. Edwards, who has recovered from a fibula fracture sustained in the playoffs. D’Marco Jackson and Jack Sanborn are also in the mix as complementary linebackers, though Sanborn dealt with injuries last season.

The cornerback unit faces ongoing injury concerns, with key players Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon both having missed significant time over the past two seasons. Johnson has managed one full 17-game season in his career, while Gordon’s availability remains uncertain as he starts camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to a lingering soft-tissue injury. With Pro Bowl cornerback Nahshon Wright departing in free agency, Tyrique Stevenson is poised to reclaim a starting role alongside Johnson and the recently drafted Malik Muhammad II, who offers versatility as both an outside corner and nickel defender. Terell Smith, returning from knee surgery, adds depth but must regain form.

Safety experienced the most dramatic changes of any defensive position after the departures of longtime leaders Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker, who signed with New England and Pittsburgh, respectively. The Bears acquired Coby Bryant, coming off a Super Bowl victory with Seattle, and drafted Dillon Thieneman from Oregon to fill the vacancies. Bryant, at 27, is entering his prime and signed a three-year, $40 million deal, seen as a strategic investment by the Bears. Thieneman has the flexibility to play both safety spots and nickel linebacker, but he must earn a starting role during camp. Veterans Elijah Hicks and Gervarrius Owens return as key backups and special teams contributors.

On special teams, kicker Cairo Santos remains under contract through 2027 and continues to hold the franchise record for accuracy. Punter Tory Taylor is entering his third season, and the long snapper position is open following the offseason departures. Undrafted rookie Beau Gardner, winner of the Patrick Mannelly Award as college football’s best long snapper, appears well-positioned to challenge Luke Elkin, who returns to the Bears after spending last season on the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad.

Overall, the Bears’ defense enters training camp with a retooled roster emphasizing speed and versatility, especially at linebacker and safety, while aiming to solidify run defense and improve quarterback pressure. Health remains a crucial factor, particularly in the secondary where key corners have yet to prove durability. How these offseason changes translate on the field will be a major storyline as Chicago seeks to build on last season’s success and address clear vulnerabilities.