National NFL experts keep linking the Bears to a logical free agent, but Chicago may not act anytime soon on it
The Chicago Bears failed to address the defensive end position so far this offseason and plenty of logical options still remain on the market, however the Bears are fine playing out the long game.
The Chicago Bears had a strong offseason that was spearheaded by overhauling the defensive side of the ball going into the second year under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
The goal was to add more team speed to the unit and reinforce key positions in the back-seven. However, the lack of investments on the front-four will be what decides how successful this plan of attack really was.
The Bears did not add a single defensive end this offseason and instead bolstered the interior with additions such as Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, James Lynch, and rookie Jordan van den Berg. Fans have every right to be concerned about the state of the pass rush, but there’s still quality options worth considering, including one that continues to be linked to Chicago.
ESPN names Von Miller as the best free agent fit for the Chicago Bears
With OTAs coming up on the NFL schedule and rookie minicamp behind us, the Bears could turn back to the free agent pool to round out the 90-man roster. ESPN’s Matt Bowen had the ideal free agent target to land a final roster spot and provide a veteran boost off the edge in future Hall of Fame defensive end Von Miller.
Miller is a logical player for the Bears to consider. He’s still a plus pass rusher at this point in his career that won’t demand a high amount of snaps or a large contract. In 2025, Miller joined the Washington Commanders on a one-year, $6.1 million contract with added incentives. He played just 37 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, but still managed to lead Washington’s defense with nine sacks while having 36 pressures.
That’s the exact kind of player the Bears should be looking to add. Miller would be a situational pass rusher for this defense that wouldn’t take snaps away from a young guy the staff really likes in Austin Booker.
“(Von Miller) is a guy I would be very interested in,” NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger said on 104.3 The Score earlier this month. “He’s been healthy, he had a good season last year. He played 30 to 35 percent of the snaps, got nine sacks, still knows what he’s doing.”
The Bears don’t seem eager to make a decision at this point, but things could change later in the summer
For the time being, the Bears don’t seem eager to make a decision when it comes to potentially adding a veteran edge rusher, no matter which name you throw out there.
During rookie minicamp, Allen was specifically asked about another veteran defender on the market he has familiarity with in Cam Jordan. He had a pretty notable answer that can also be applied to the idea of adding Miller.
“I think my experience with him was outstanding,” Allen said of Jordan. “Cam’s going to be a Hall of Fame player, he is a Hall of Fame player. I don’t know that there’s been a ton of discussion about that. I think we feel pretty good about where we’re at and what we have. And yet, you never know what opportunities might present themselves some point down the road.”
The stance seems to be that the staff would prefer to go into OTAs and training camp with a focus on improving the coaching with that unit. The Bears would also like to see Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner, two edge rushers who suffered season-ending injuries in 2025, return before making a full assessment on the room.
Once we get to mid-camp later this summer and things still look unsatisfactory with that position, sure the Bears could consider bringing in a guy like Miller or Jordan. It’s worth noting Miller didn’t even sign with the Commanders until mid-July.
I understand the process the Bears are taking and people should just allow things to play out.