Fixing Chicago Bears pass rush not GM’s priority: Report

Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen did an incredible job in his first year with the Chicago Bears considering what he had to work with during the season.

More News: Bears OC Declan Doyle tracking for head coaching job: Report

For most of the year, he dealt with a banged up secondary. The Bears already had questions about the defensive line before defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo suffered season-ending torn Achilles against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9. (Odeyingbo only had one sack in 2025 before suffering the injury.)

Rookie defensive tackle Shemar Turner entered the NFL with injury issues. He suffered a torn ACL against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.

In total, the Bears ranked No. 22 in sacks with 35 total sacks for the regular season.

When Kyler Gordon was healthy, Allen used him and safety Jaquan Brisker to dial up blitzes.

Still, the Bears had a problem that’s been existent since general manager Ryan Poles traded away Khalil Mack and tore down the defense. Chicago cannot get a consistent pressure with its defense line.

One would think this offseason would be ideal for Poles to address the pass rush.

However, Courtney Cronin told ESPN 1000 that Poles’ top priority will likely be at left tackle instead of adding a defensive end or defensive tackle.

Because rookie Ozzy Trapilo tore his patellar tendon against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round and might not return for the start of the 2026 regular season, Poles might add another left tackle to make sure the offensive line is set.

“I think that the idea that pass rush is the most important priority for this team this offseason, I think it’s changed a little bit, because we will judge Ryan Poles most harshly on what happens with the offensive line at left tackle,” Cronin said.

“I think that that changed what the priority number one has to be in the offseason. because the rest of the offensive line is set. You have continuity, you have stability. You cannot allow the left tackle spot to be a revolving door. And I don’t think the answer is on the roster.”

Chicago Bears: Offense over defense?

More News: Bears urged to dump off different target than DJ Moore to Panthers

Cronin argued that the move to switch Joe Thuney to left tackle against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round was telling about what the coaching staff thinks of Theo Benedet at left tackle.

“I think, more than pass rush, more than what they’ve done on the defensive side of the ball, which we can get to, that’s what we will ultimately look at in the offseason. Did he (Poles) fix this?”

Pass Rusher is NOT GM Ryan Pole’s top priority this #chicagobears offseason

full show: https://t.co/WmsunCPTu6@CourtneyRCronin @PatTheDesigner pic.twitter.com/wfaZJjMFqH

— ESPN Chicago (@ESPN1000) January 29, 2026

The Bears should be thinking about a long-term solution at defensive end. The Bears have Montez Sweat through the next two seasons. Chicago has yet to put help around him to get the best out of that trade.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Fixing Chicago Bears pass rush not GM’s priority: Report appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/fixing-chicago-bears-pass-rush-not-gms-priority