NFL Insider Says Bears Aren’t Better Yet, But the 2026 Draft Could Change That
Albert Breer explains why the Bears’ quiet free agency could pay off if they capitalize on the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears didn’t win free agency. And according to one of the NFL’s most plugged-in insiders, they weren’t supposed to.
In a recent appearance on ESPN Chicago, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer offered a blunt but important reality check on where Chicago stands entering 2026.
“I don't think they are now,” Breer said when asked if the Bears are better than their 2025 team. “But I think that there's a good chance they will be after the draft.”
That distinction matters. Because it explains everything the Bears did (and didn’t do) this offseason.
The Bears Didn’t Try to Win 2026 Free Agency
General manager Ryan Poles didn’t attack free agency the way he did a year ago. There was no splash move like the Joe Thuney trade. No major financial swing designed to reshape the roster overnight.
Instead, the Bears operated with restraint.
- They replaced losses
- They stabilized key positions
- They preserved flexibility
The unexpected retirement of Drew Dalman forced a pivot, leading to a trade for Garrett Bradbury. Chicago added Coby Bryant and Devin Bush to plug immediate holes on defense.
They're useful moves and necessary moves.
But not transformative ones.
Albert Breer Points to the 2026 Draft as the Real Turning Point
Breer’s core point is simple: the Bears are building this roster through the draft.
“There’s a little bit of a recognition in what the draft class is,” Breer said. “Where they're more likely to find help in the draft.”
MORE: Ryan Poles’ Alabama Visit Signals Bears’ Interest in Kadyn Proctor
That’s where Chicago is betting big.
And the structure of this draft class aligns with their needs.
Edge Rusher Depth Could Define the Bears’ Draft
If there’s one position Breer emphasized, it’s edge rusher. This class may not have a top-of-the-board, franchise-altering prospect like Myles Garrett, but it offers something just as valuable: depth.
It's real depth, too, that extends well into the second and third rounds.
That opens the door for Chicago to:
- Target edge early
- Double down on the position
- Add multiple contributors instead of relying on one
Montez Sweat remains the anchor, but the long-term answer opposite him is still uncertain. Austin Booker has upside, but counting on a breakout is a risk.
This is where Poles can attack aggressively.
Why the Chicago Bears Addressed Safety Early
The 2026 NFL Draft has top-end safety talent, but limited depth. And it had a big impact on how the Bears attacked free agency.
MORE: Bears Host Ohio State DL Kayden McDonald on NFL Draft Top-30 Visit
Instead of forcing a pick at a thin position group, Chicago addressed safety with the addition of Bryant. They also filled their need at linebacker with Bush.
Now, the Bears have flexibility. Instead of chasing need, they can attack the strength of this year's draft class, particularly along the defensive front.
Breer specifically referenced names like Caleb Downs and Dillon Thieneman as examples of top-heavy safety talent, and neither is expected to be on the board when the Bears pick at No. 25.
The takeaway is clear: Chicago positioned itself to avoid being boxed into a corner on draft night.
The 2026 NFL Draft Will Define The Chicago Bears
The Bears hold the No. 25 overall pick and multiple selections inside the top 100 of the NFL Draft. That’s where Poles must find difference-makers.
There are still questions:
- Offensive line stability, especially at left tackle
- Pass rush consistency
- Additional playmakers on defense
How Poles navigates those early picks will define not just this season, but the trajectory of the rebuild in Year 2 under Ben Johnson.
The Bears Have Had a Calculated Offseason So Far
It’s easy to look at this offseason and see a lack of fireworks. Breer sees something else: A plan.
The Bears:
- Filled immediate holes
- Avoided overpaying in free agency
- Built flexibility into their draft strategy
They didn’t try to peak in March. They’re trying to peak in September.
The Bottom Line
Right now, the Bears might not be better than they were in 2025. But that’s not Ryan Poles' goal. It never has been. Remember: he's all about building a roster that can sustain success.
If Poles hits on this draft class—especially along the defensive front—this team could look significantly different by the time the 2026 season begins.
And if that happens, this offseason won’t be judged by what the Bears didn’t do.
It will be judged by what they set up.
