Chicago Bears Earn Strong 2026 Free Agency Grade From PFF

The Chicago Bears didn’t dominate headlines in 2026 free agency. They didn’t hand out the biggest contracts. They didn’t win the Super Bowl in March.

But according to Pro Football Focus, they did something arguably more important. They built smart.

PFF handed the Bears a ‘B’ grade for their 2026 free agency class, a reflection of a front office that stayed disciplined while still addressing real needs.

And honestly, that feels about right.

The Bears' 2026 Free Agency Class Wasn't About Splash

If you were expecting fireworks, this wasn’t the offseason for you.

General manager Ryan Poles took a much more measured approach, targeting players who fit specific roles rather than chasing big names.

Linebacker Devin Bush, safety Coby Bryant, and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore headline the class. None of those signings broke the internet.

But each one filled a hole, especially Bush.

"PFF's ninth-ranked free agent, surrendered just a 69.3 passer rating in coverage this past season, the second-best mark among linebackers," PFF wrote. "He keeps the Bears' defense in great shape at a reasonable price point."

And when you look at it collectively, that’s where the value shows up.

The Bears Got Better in Free Agency

There’s a difference between winning the offseason and improving your football team. Chicago leaned into the second option.

Bush brings speed and production to a linebacker group that needed it. Bryant adds versatility in the secondary. Gallimore gives the defensive line more depth and rotation flexibility.

It’s not a flashy group, but it’s functional.

And for a team coming off an NFC North title, that might be exactly the right approach.

The Bigger Picture Still Matters for the Chicago Bears

The Bears didn’t try to solve every problem on their roster in free agency.

They still have questions, especially at edge rusher and left tackle, and those are positions that may ultimately be addressed in the 2026 NFL draft.

But that’s also part of the plan.

Poles has been consistent in building through a combination of smart veteran additions and young talent, rather than overloading and overspending during a single phase of the offseason.

The Pro Football Focus grade reflects that balance.

A Grade That Matches Where the Bears Are

A “B” might not sound exciting at first, but it usually means something important: solid, sustainable roster building.

For a team that’s no longer rebuilding, but trying to stay competitive at the top of the NFC, that kind of approach matters. Remember, it's all about sustaining success.

No, the Bears didn’t win free agency. But they may have positioned themselves to win something that matters a lot more in 2026.