Chicago Bears 2026 Mock Offseason: The Goon Squad
It was evident in the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams that the Chicago Bears must learn to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball if they want to cross the finish line next year. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson took a step in the right direction last year with their overhaul of the offensive line. Now they must see if they can duplicate that success on defense.
Not to mention they must also address other problematic areas at safety and linebacker. It isn’t an easy process, but this is one way they could go about it.
The latest Chicago Bears 2026 mock offseason shifts focus to development.
Trade:
RB D’Andre Swift and 7th round pick to Kansas City for a 5th round pick
Eric Bieniemy just got the best season out of D’Andre Swift in his career. Kansas City needs running back help. A reunion between the two could be helpful for both sides. Meanwhile, the Bears improved their draft situation while allowing Johnson to possibly retool the running back room more to his liking.
Cuts/Restructures:
- Montez Sweat – 1-year extension (with void years) to save $16 million
- Tremaine Edmunds – released for $15 million
- D.J. Moore – conversion for $18.5 million
- Joe Thuney – conversion for $11.76 million
- Kiran Amegadjie – released for $1.05 million
Re-signings:
- Kevin Byard – 2-year deal for $15.6 million ($3.84 million cap hit in 2026)
- Braxton Jones – 1-year deal for $4.5 million
- D’Marco Jackson – 1-year deal for $1.33 million
- Dominique Robinson – 1-year deal for $1.33 million
- Jonathan Owens – 1-year deal for $1.26 million
- Daniel Hardy – 1-year deal for $1.26 million
- Noah Sewell – 1-year deal for $1.26 million
- Durham Smythe – 1-year deal for $1.07 million
- Jordan McFadden – 1-year deal for $1.07 million
- Scott Daly – 1-year deal for $1.07 million
- Theo Benedet – 1-year deal for $1.07 million
- Case Keenum – 1-year deal for $885,000
Free agency:
- RB Travis Etienne – 3-year deal for $21 million
- LB Justin Strnad – 2-year deal for $8 million
- DT John Franklin-Myers – 2-year deal for $15 million ($3.76 million cap hit in 2026)
The Bears have been connected to Etienne multiple times since last offseason. It is evident that somebody inside Halas Hall is a big fan. It is easy to see why with his great mix of athleticism, speed, and contact balance. Strnad is coming off a standout season in Denver, where he recorded 4.5 sacks despite playing only part-time. His teammate, Franklin-Myers, was among the most disruptive interior rushers in the league.
The Draft:
Trade: 25th pick to New England for 31st pick and 3rd round pick
1st Round (via NE) – Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
The comparisons to Kenny Clark are plenty valid. Miller probably won’t overwhelm you with his pass rush skills, even though he’s better than you think. His calling card is outstanding awareness and strength to plug gaps in the middle, making it incredibly difficult to run the ball anywhere in his vicinity. Andrew Billings is a free agent and the Bears have struggled to stop the run for years. Miller is a big step in fixing that.
2nd Round – Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Mark this down. If Mesidor weren’t already 24 years old, he would likely be a high 1st round pick. He was that dominant this season for the Hurricanes. His mix of power, quickness, and insanely hot motor made him the bane of all offensive tackles everywhere. Getting him in the 2nd round is a massive coup for the Bears. While older for a rookie, he’s highly experienced and can play immediately.
3rd Round – Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
There was no way this Chicago Bears 2026 mock offseason would conclude without the team adding another body at safety. In the tradition of Penn State products, he’s a big, versatile athlete with a strong nose for the football. It is almost impossible to slip anything past him.
3rd Round (via NE) – J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois
Davis was viewed as a raw, developmental prospect going into the 2025 season. He showed at the Senior Bowl that he has learned a lot since then. He’s big with quick feet and a natural feel for pass protection. Improving his lower body strength should be a focus moving forward.
4th Round – Keylan Rutledge, IOL, Georgia Tech
One of the nastiest guards in this draft. Rutledge is a bully in the run game, almost to the point of crossing the line. He can anchor in pass protection and is willing to battle it out with anybody. With Joe Thuney getting older, the Bears must keep investing in their future at the position.
5th Round (via KC) – Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati
While undersized by NFL standards at 5’11, 180 lbs, Allen is probably one of the best route-runners in this draft. His cuts are fluid and sharp, catching defensive backs flat-footed. He has enough speed to create separation and is much better at contested catches than his slight frame would have you believe.
5th Round – Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
Dennis Allen likes athletic linebackers. Perkins checks that box. He has outstanding range that makes it impossible to run away from him. He’s also a dangerous blitzer, which fits Allen’s aggressive style. The problem, as with Ruben Hyppolite, is that he’s on the smaller side.
7th Round – Jaren Kanak, TE, Oklahoma
Tight end is not a need for the Bears, but it’s clearly a position Coach Johnson values. After losing Colston Loveland in the playoff loss to L.A., he may wish to get some extra insurance at the position. Somebody who can go out, run routes, and catch passes. Kanak has those capabilities.