Bears Predicted to Land Two-Time Pro Bowl Pass Rusher
The Chicago Bears are preparing for their second season under head coach Ben Johnson. They're looking to build on the success they found last year, going 11-6, winning the NFC North, and making the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
However, if there is one side of the ball Chicago can improve on, it's the defense. Last season, they ranked 29th in total yards allowed per game (361.8) and 23rd in points allowed per game (24.4).
The Bears have made several considerable moves to upgrade the defense so far this offseason. That includes signing safety Coby Bryant and defensive lineman Neville Gallimore, while also spending a first-round pick on safety Dillon Thieneman.
While many of the top names in free agency have already found new homes, there are several talented players still available. USA Today's Tyler Dragon projects the Bears will sign EDGE Haason Reddick.
"Chicago needs another edge rusher opposite Montez Sweat and didn't address their pass rush need in the draft," Dragon wrote. "Chicago had the NFC's worst pass rush win rate in 2025, per ESPN and can use a vet like Reddick to provide a boost."
Reddick appeared in 13 games last season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, compiling 31 tackles, six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, eight pressures, and three quarterback knockdowns. It wasn't an amazing year, but his 16 sacks in 2022 and 11 in 2023 do show his ability to make an impact.
At 31 years old, the Bears wouldn't need to ink the two-time Pro Bowler to a long-term deal either. Spotrac projects the pass rusher will sign a one-year, $4.9 million contract. It's the kind of deal Chicago could afford with $11.5 million in available cap space.
After finishing fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2022, Reddick has shown himself to be a dominant threat off the edge. Bringing him in on a short, low-risk deal to help improve the pass rush could give the Bears' defense a big boost.
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This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 8:50 AM.