Six of the top 10 salary-cap figures for 2026 will be dedicated to defensive players, but Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles will be looking for a way to squeeze more production from that side of the ball.
The Bears had the sixth-worst quarterback pressure rate (31.6%) this season and gave up 5 rushing yards per play — fourth-worst, according to NFL Pro’s Next Gen Stats.
Asked about the pass rush shortly after the season, Poles said: “There’s a lot going on there just in terms of we had some injuries going on that you have to overcome. That’s an area we’re going to continue to press and get better. I look forward to Shemar (Turner) getting back and Dayo (Odeyingbo) getting back. I thought (Montez) Sweat did a good job this year.”
Before the NFL scouting combine in February and the start of free agency March 11, let’s look at how the Bears defensive players fared in 2025, what their contract status is for 2026 and what options are available to the front office.
Contract numbers according to Spotrac and Over The Cap. Stats according to NFL and Bears media sites.
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Defensive end
Montez Sweat
Bears defensive end Montez Sweat knocks Packers quarterback Jordan Love to the turf in the fourth quarter of a NFC wild-card game at Soldier Field on Jan. 10, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering third year of four-year, $98 million extension.
What to know: Sweat finished with 53 tackles while leading the team with 17 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks — up from last season’s 5½ and tied for 15th in the league. Poles said Sweat performed well overall this season: “I think sometimes we get hung up on sacks, and sacks are important — he did get into double digits — but I think his all-around game was good. The way he defended the run, defended the perimeter as well as applied pressure was good. But we need him to continue to get better too.”
Austin Booker
Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) tackles Packers quarterback Jordan Love during an NFC wild-card game Jan. 10, 2026, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering third year of rookie contract.
What to know: Booker missed the first seven games while on injured reserve with a knee injury, and he produced 4½ sacks in the remaining 10 regular-season games — a bump from his 1½ sacks as a rookie. He also sacked Jordan Love in the wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers. He’ll be eligible for an extension after next season.
Dayo Odeyingbo
Bears defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo disrupts the throw of Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the second quarter Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering second year of three-year, $48 million contract.
What to know: Odeyingbo’s season ended in Week 9 when he suffered a torn right Achilles tendon against the Cincinnati Bengals. Coach Ben Johnson called him “a force in the run game” and coaches hoped to see if he would be a long-term fit inside, but he didn’t get many snaps to test that theory. He had one sack and four quarterback hits in eight games.
Dominique Robinson
Bears defensive end Dominique Robinson (90) sacks Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and forces a fumble that Stafford recovered in an NFC divisional-round playoff game Jan. 18, 2026, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: The 2022 fifth-round draft pick played 20% of the Bears’ defensive snaps and 35% of the special teams snaps.
Daniel Hardy
Bears defensive end Daniel Hardy (92) celebrates after making a tackle on a kickoff return against the Packers at Lambeau Field on Dec. 7, 2025, in Green Bay. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Restricted free agent.
What to know: He’s primarily a special teamer, playing 78% of the unit’s snaps. Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower called him an “unbelievable competitor.” Hardy played fullback on a D’Andre Swift touchdown run against the San Francisco 49ers, and he played a key role in helping recover an onside kick in a 22-16 overtime rally against the Packers in Week 16.
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Bears defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (93) celebrates pressure on Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: Tryon-Shoyinka told the Tribune, “I’d love to end up back here, this is a great place to be,” but his contract makes him a “void free agent” — essentially a short-term rental. The Bears traded with the Cleveland Browns for the 2021 first-round pick as a stopgap when Odeyingbo suffered a torn Achilles.
Defensive tackle
Grady Jarrett
Bears defensive end Grady Jarrett celebrates after he and teammate Montez Sweat sacked Lions quarterback Jared Goff on Jan. 4, 2026, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering second year of three-year, $42.75 million contract.
What to know: The Bears brought in the veteran as much for his influence in the locker room as his production. Jarrett played in 14 games (four starts) and was slowed by a knee injury. He finished with 39 tackles, 1½ sacks and eight quarterback hits. He has $13 million guaranteed in 2026.
Gervon Dexter Sr.
Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) tackles Packers running back Josh Jacobs on Dec. 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering fourth year of rookie contract.
What to know: The 2023 second-round draft pick is eligible for an extension. He had 44 tackles — down from 51 last season — but racked up a career-high six sacks, second on the team to Sweat. According to NFL Pro’s Next Gen Stats, Dexter generated a career-high 11.8% pressure rate, sixth-highest among defensive tackles (minimum 200 pass rushes).
Andrew Billings
Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings rushes Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in the first quarter on Oct. 27, 2024, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: The two-year extension has run out for the veteran nose tackle. Though Billings played in 17 games with 14 starts after a torn pectoral muscle limited him to eight games in 2024, his snap share dipped to 47.7% and his pressure rate from 9.6% to 5.3%, according to NFL Pro.
Shemar Turner
Bears defensive tackle Shemar Turner raises his fist as he leaves the field after a 31-14 win over the Cowboys on Sept. 21, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering second year of rookie contract.
What to know: The second-round pick missed all but five games, suffering a torn ACL on Oct. 26 against the Baltimore Ravens. Turner split his limited time between inside and the edge, and coaches thought he showed some potential as an edge rusher.
Chris Williams
Bears defensive tackle Chris Williams chases 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy during the second quarter Dec. 28, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: He signed a one-year deal in April and played about 20% of the Bears’ defensive snaps.
Linebacker
Tremaine Edmunds
Bears middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds celebrates a defensive stop against the Rams in an NFC divisional-round playoff game Jan. 18, 2026, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering final year of four-year, $72 million contract.
What to know: A groin injury landed him on injured reserve for four games, but he returned in late December and played in both playoff games. He had four interceptions and led the Bears with 112 tackles. For the cap-strapped Bears, shedding Edmunds’ contract could generate $15 million in savings while costing just $2.43 million in dead money.
T.J. Edwards
Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards tackles 49ers tight end Jake Tonges at Levi’s Stadium on Dec. 28, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering first year of two-year, $20 million extension signed in April.
What to know: Edwards had a challenging season, injury-wise. He played in just 10 regular-season games, then suffered a broken fibula in his left leg in the wild-card game against the Packers and was placed on injured reserve and missed the divisional game against the Rams. Edwards has $8.25 million in guaranteed salary next season and carries a $10.8 million cap number.
Noah Sewell
Bears linebacker Noah Sewell (44) takes down Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger on Nov. 9, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering fourth year of rookie contract.
What to know: The 2023 fifth-round pick was sixth on the Bears with 54 tackles and played 38% of the defensive snaps. The Bears could cut him before or after June 1 and save more than $1.14 million against the cap.
D’Marco Jackson
Bears linebacker D’Marco Jackson (48) pressures Lions quarterback Jared Goff on Jan. 4, 2026, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: He filled in admirably when his unit was hit by injuries, but he primarily played on special teams. He had a $1.1 million cap number this season and played 24.3% of the defensive snaps.
Amen Ogbongbemiga
Bears linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga (45) defends a pass against Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith on Nov. 28, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering second year of two-year, $5 million extension.
What to know: Like Jackson, he stepped in on defense when needed because of injuries, but he had his own injury problems as well. He’s due a $250,000 roster bonus March 16, though the Bears could save $2 million by releasing him (with $375,000 in dead money).
Ruben Hyppolite II
Bears linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II gets a kiss on the cheek from his mother, Laquinta Hyppolite, before a game against the Steelers on Nov. 23, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering second year of rookie contract.
What to know: Hyppolite didn’t get many looks in the defensive rotation (2.9% of snaps) or on special teams (18%), despite being a fourth-round draft pick in April. He was inactive for 12 games, including the playoffs.
Cornerback
Jaylon Johnson
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson intercepts a pass against Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy on Dec. 14, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering third year of four-year, $76 million extension.
What to know: Johnson had core muscle surgery after aggravating a groin injury in Week 2, and coaches credited him for working hard to recover in time to return in late November. He has a $7.6 million salary guarantee that vests on March 13.
Nahshon Wright
Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright intercepts a pass intended for Vikings receiver Jordan Addison on Nov. 16, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: Wright picked a good time for a career year, leading the NFL with eight takeaways (five interceptions, three fumble recoveries) and forcing two fumbles. He was named to the Pro Bowl on Monday as an injury replacement. Wright was the most targeted Bears defensive back but allowed the lowest passer rating (77.7) among those with at least one start. The question is, was he a one-year wonder, or is the 27-year-old just a late bloomer? It could cost the Bears a pretty penny to find out.
Tyrique Stevenson
Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson tackles Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 16, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering fourth year of rookie contract.
What to know: Stevenson entered camp as the presumed starter opposite Jaylon Johnson, but he gave way to Wright, which clouds his future. Teams targeted him at the highest rate (16.7%) among Bears defensive backs who made at least five starts, and he allowed the second-highest average yards after catch at 6.3.
Kyler Gordon
Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) celebrates after sacking Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler on Oct. 19, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering first year of three-year, $40 million extension signed in April.
What to know: “Spider-Man” is the league’s highest-paid nickel corner, but too often he was waylaid by the injury goblin. He played in three regular-season and both playoff games but missed 14 games with groin, calf and hip injuries. He has a $12.9 million cap number for 2026 and $10 million in guaranteed salary.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Bears nickel back C.J. Gardner-Johnson celebrates after sacking Giants quarterback Russell Wilson on Nov. 9, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: The Bears were in dire straits for a nickel corner when they signed the former Philadelphia Eagle, and he made an immediate impact with his on-field energy and blitzing ability. But he trailed off a bit and had rough outings in coverage against the Bengals, Packers (both regular-season games) and Lions.
Nick McCloud
Bears cornerback Nick McCloud (24) heads to the locker room after a 31-28 win over the Steelers on Nov. 23, 2025, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: He provided depth at cornerback but allowed a team-high plus-14.6 expected points added (EPA) in coverage, per NFL Pro’s Next Gen Stats.
Jaylon Jones
Bears cornerback Jaylon Jones (33) tackles Steelers receiver Ke’Shawn Williams on a punt return on Nov. 23, 2025, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: He played in 15 games, including 48% of special teams snaps, but was used sparingly on defense (36 snaps).
Josh Blackwell
Cornerback Josh Blackwell (39) blocks a field-goal attempt by Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson to give the Bears a 25-24 win Sept. 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering second year of two-year, $5 million extension.
What to know: He was arguably the MVP of special teams (62% of snaps). In addition to sharing kickoff-return duties with Devin Duvernay, he was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after blocking a potential game-winning field goal by the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4, and he recovered a critical onside kick against the Packers in Week 16.
Terell Smith
Bears cornerback Terell Smith (32) tackles Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) at Lambeau Field on Jan. 5, 2025, in Green Bay. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering fourth year of rookie contract.
What to know: The 2023 fifth-round pick was carted off the field during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills with a season-ending knee injury.
Zah Frazier
Defensive back Zah Frazier (20) warms up during Bears rookie camp at Halas Hall on May 9, 2025, in Lake Forest. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering second year of rookie contract.
What to know: The Bears drafted Frazier in the fifth round last year, and he spent the entire season on the non-football injury list for personal reasons. “I had a good conversation with him. He’s back,” Poles said last week.
Safety
Kevin Byard III
Bears free safety Kevin Byard III (31) celebrates after his interception against the Eagles on Nov. 28, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: Could the season have gone any better for the 32-year-old playing for a new contract? He led the league with seven interceptions, earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods and topped the team with a minus-12.7 coverage EPA allowed. All four Bears safeties are on expiring contracts, and Poles said he’d like to make Byard a priority. “I definitely think there’s mutual interest for me to be back,” Byard said. “I want to win. The same way the organization is always going to do what’s best for the team, I think I owe that to my family as well.”
Jaquan Brisker
Safety Jaquan Brisker celebrates after Bears special teams stopped the Rams on a return during an NFC divisional-round playoff game on Jan. 18, 2026, at Soldier Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: Brisker played in all 19 games (including playoffs) after appearing in only five last season. He tied Byard with 93 tackles (second on the Bears) and eight passes defended (tied with Byard for fourth). But can the Bears afford to keep both safeties? When Ben Johnson talks about “physicality,” that includes Brisker, who led the divisional game against the Rams with 14 tackles and had a sack. He said during exit interviews that “it brings a lot of pain” knowing the roster might look different next year — possibly without him.
Elijah Hicks
Bears safety Elijah Hicks makes a tackle against the Browns on Dec. 14, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: Hicks told the Tribune he embraced a new role in which he saw sparse defensive snaps and played a career-high 67.8% of special teams snaps. The Bears drafted him in the seventh round in 2022, but that will mean little if they don’t see him as depth in an offseason in which all four safeties are UFAs.
Jonathan Owens
Bears safety Jonathan Owens tackles Packers running back Emanuel Wilson on Dec. 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: He played primarily on special teams, but he received 33 coverage snaps and allowed a team-high 29.4% catch rate over expected.
Specialists
Cairo Santos, kicker
Bears kicker Cairo Santos celebrates after making a field goal during an NFC wild-card game against the Packers on Jan. 10, 2026, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering third year of a four-year, $15.6 million extension.
What to know: Santos’ 51-yarder against the Packers and his 48-yarder versus the Rams were the longest and third-longest field goals in franchise postseason history. However, his 83.3% field-goal percentage ranked 34th in the regular season, though he was perfect on 39 extra-point tries. It seems likely the Bears will keep their career leader in field-goal percentage (88.3%, minimum 50 attempts).
Tory Taylor, punter
Tory Taylor punts the ball against the Browns on Dec. 14, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Entering third year of rookie contract.
What to know: His net average of 40.4 yards ranked 22nd in the NFL. The Bears drafted him in the fourth round in 2024.
Scott Daly, long snapper
Bears long snapper Scott Daly warms up before a game against the Lions on Nov. 28, 2024, at Ford Field in Detroit. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune)
Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
What to know: The 32-year-old hails from Downers Grove and has history with Ben Johnson.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/27/chicago-bears-roster-breakdown-defense/
