Chicago Bears 2026 Mock Offseason: Post-Combine Shakeup
Now that the scouting combine is over, it feels like the right time for another Chicago Bears 2026 mock offseason. Information is becoming more accurate. Trade possibilities and free agent moves are coming into focus. We’re getting a better idea of where players will go in the draft. That makes it somewhat easier to determine what Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson will do when the action starts. One thing we can say for sure is that the roster that finished last season will be considerably different by the end of spring.
Let’s take a look at how things could unfold.
The shakeup gets real in this latest Chicago Bears 2026 mock offseason
Trades:
- LB Tremaine Edmunds to the Raiders for a 4th round pick
- WR D.J. Moore and a 5th round pick to the Titans for a 3rd round pick
- QB Tyson Bagent to the Jets for a 2nd round pick
- RB D’Andre Swift to the Chiefs for a future 5th round pick
Rumors have been swirling that the Bears could get busy on the trade market, both to clear some cap space and possibly add considerable draft capital. They manage both with four significant moves. Edmunds and Moore are cap-related decisions, while Bagent is an offer they can’t refuse. The Jets have two 2nd round picks, so they can afford the calculated swing. Aaron Glenn trusts Ben Johnson’s ability to develop quarterbacks. Kansas City needs running back help, so this is an easy sell for them.
Cap space: $36 million
Cuts/Restructures:
- EDGE Montez Sweat – conversion for $10 million
- OG Joe Thuney – conversion for $8 million
- OT Kiran Amegadjie – released for $1.05 million
Cap space: $57 million
Re-signings:
- Kevin Byard – 2-year deal for $15.6 million ($3.84 million cap hit in 2026)
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson – 1-year deal for $3 million
- Braxton Jones – 1-year deal for $4.5 million
- D’Marco Jackson – 1-year deal for $1.26 million
- Dominique Robinson – 1-year deal for $1.26 million
- Jonathan Owens – 1-year deal for $1.26 million
- Daniel Hardy – 1-year deal for $1.33 million
- Durham Smythe – 1-year deal for $1.07 million
- Jordan McFadden – 1-year deal for $1.14 million
- Scott Daly – 1-year deal for $1.07 million
- Theo Benedet – 1-year deal for $1.19 million
- Case Keenum – 1-year deal for $1.26 million
- Elijah Hicks – 1-year deal for $1.07 million
- Travis Homer – 1-year deal for $1.07 million
- Jaylon Jones – 1-year deal for $1.07 million
Cap space: $46 million
Free agency:
- RB Breece Hall – 4-year deal for $42 million
- DT D.J. Reader – 1-year deal for $3.75 million
- EDGE Cameron Jordan – 1-year deal for $7 million
- CB Kaiir Elam – 1-year deal for $1.18 million
Another big move at running back isn’t what many expected in this Chicago Bears 2026 mock offseason. However, Hall is a unique specimen. He’s got size, power, and speed. His ability to produce in a rough situation with the Jets shows he can be so much more in the right situation. Playing in Johnson’s offense could be a match made in heaven. Reader and Jordan are solid veterans who can help the Bears’ pass rush and run defense. Elam is a former 1st round pick who might be the perfect reclamation project for Al Harris.
The Draft:
1st Round – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
This draft is light on defensive tackles who are capable of becoming strong interior pass rushers. Woods is one of those few. He has good size, block-shedding power, and explosiveness in his lower body. People aren’t sure why his 2025 season was underwhelming, but it’s worth mentioning that Clemson changed their entire defensive coaching staff in his final year there. He has the full toolbox to become a dynamic interior player for Dennis Allen’s defense. All he needs is the right developmental plan.
2nd Round (via NYJ) – Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Having 17 sacks in a college career would be pretty good for a young pass rusher. Hill is an off-the-ball linebacker. Those are insane numbers, and it shows on tape. He’s highly athletic, aggressive, violent, and instinctive as a blitzer. Allen likes having inside linebackers who fit that profile. Demario Davis was a perfect example in New Orleans. Hill is that exact prototype. He’d be right at home in this system.
2nd Round – Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
I wrote recently that Allen prefers edge rushers who fall into a specific range of length and explosiveness. They must have at least a 1.65 time in the 10-yard split with arms over 33 inches. Lawrence checked both boxes at the combine. He’s a dynamic athlete for his size, getting up the field in a hurry, and already boasts a deep pass-rush arsenal. Adding some power to his frame would be the preferred next step.
Trade: 66th pick to PHI for 68th pick and 4th round pick
3rd Round (via PHI) – Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Teams will push Rodriguez down the board because of his average size and short arms. It’s their loss. He is a highly instinctive and athletic linebacker who doubles as an outstanding field general. He gobbles up tackles and turnovers at a shocking clip, punching far above his weight class all the time.
3rd Round – Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
A versatile safety with great size, natural awareness, and affinity for playing in deep coverage. He’s not afraid to drive downhill to make tackles or deliver a hit. There are certain parts of his game that need refinement, but this kid will be a solid starter in the right hands.
4th Round (via LV) – Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
There is no substitute for speed. Few love it more than Coach Johnson. He’s put a directive in to add more this offseason. What better way than adding the fastest receiver from the scouting combine? Thompson ran a 4.26, and it showed with his whopping 18.5 yards per catch this past season.
4th Round – Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
Chicago had pretty good fortune drafting Ozzy Trapilo last year, so why not select the guy who forced him to move from left tackle to right tackle? Bowry is a big, fluid athlete with the length and mobility you seek on the left side. If he can add a better anchor and refined fundamentals, he’s a starter waiting to happen.
4th Round (via PHI) – Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
The team has shifted to searching for taller cornerbacks since Al Harris arrived. He wants them long and athletic. Neal checks those boxes and adds speed on top. He has a good nose for the football too. When his technique is right, he blankets wide receivers.
7th Round – Lorenzo Styles Jr., S, Ohio State
There is never any arm in taking a chance on a freak athlete. Styles Jr. switched from wide receiver to safety in college, so he’s new to the position, and it shows. Has 4.27 speed, improving recognition, and special teams value.
7th Round (via CLE) – Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
With Bagent gone, the Bears have to think about finding help at quarterback. Payton has drawn their interest. He’s a good athlete with accuracy at all three levels. His arm strength is only average, but he shows surprising poise for only a one-year starter. He is somebody who fits what Johnson likes at that position.