ESPN Ranks Bears 14th Among NFL’s Most Improved Teams After Free Agency
ESPN ranks the Bears 14th among the NFL’s most improved teams after free agency, highlighting key additions, major losses, and lingering concerns.
The Chicago Bears didn’t win free agency. They didn’t lose it either.
They did something in between: cleaned up a roster that took some real hits and positioned themselves to stay competitive heading into 2026.
That’s exactly where ESPN landed, ranking the Bears 14th among the NFL’s most improved teams after free agency. It's a ranking that says just as much about what Chicago lost as what it added.
Why ESPN Believes the Bears Slightly Improved
The list of key additions and returning players tells the story for the Chicago Bears:
- Coby Bryant
- Devin Bush
- Garrett Bradbury
- Braxton Jones
- Neville Gallimore
- Cam Lewis
There’s value here. There’s also a clear theme: replacement and reinforcement, not overhaul.
General manager Ryan Poles managed roster turnover, patched holes, and kept the roster strong heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Move ESPN Loved: Coby Bryant Changes the Tone
If there’s one move that stands out, it’s Bryant.
Chicago’s secondary took a massive hit this offseason. Nahshon Wright, Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson all departed, combining for thousands of defensive snaps.
Bryant steps into that void as more than just a replacement. ESPN’s evaluation highlights his versatility, physicality, and instincts, traits that should allow him to thrive under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
For a defense built on takeaways and disruption, Bryant isn’t just a fit; he’s a necessity.
The Problem Area: Bears' Offensive Line Instability
Where ESPN pushed back was up front.
The Chicago Bears didn’t plan to overhaul their offensive line, but circumstances forced their hand. A major injury to Ozzy Trapilo and the unexpected retirement of Drew Dalman created immediate instability.
Chicago responded by acquiring Bradbury, but there are valid concerns.
Bradbury has starting experience, but his struggles in pass protection—especially during his time in Minnesota—are well documented. In a division featuring elite pass rushers, that matters.
Bringing back Jones at left tackle helps, but it’s more of a short-term solution than a long-term answer. The hope is that he returns to his 2024 form after an injury-affected 2025 season.
Still, the overall picture is clear: The offensive line is thinner and more uncertain than it was a year ago.
Why the No. 14 Ranking Makes Sense for the Bears
This is the reality of the Bears’ offseason.
They:
- Replaced key departures
- Added value pieces
- Maintained flexibility
But they didn’t clearly elevate the roster’s ceiling.
That’s why ESPN landed on No. 14. It’s not a knock. Instead, it’s an acknowledgment that the Chicago Bears are still in the middle of their build. And that's OK.
The 2026 NFL Draft Will Define The Chicago Bears' Offseason
If this ranking changes, it won’t be because of what the Bears already did. It will be because of what comes next.
With multiple premium picks, Poles has the opportunity to:
- Reinforce the offensive line
- Add weapons for Caleb Williams
- Inject more pass-rush talent
That’s where the 2026 offseason gets decided. Right now, the Chicago Bears are better, but they're still incomplete.
