Fox Sports Projects Major Pass-Rush Move for Chicago Bears in 2026 Free Agency

Fox Sports predicts the Bears will sign one of the top pass rushers in 2026 free agency, a move that could reshape Chicago’s defensive ceiling.

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The Chicago Bears have been linked to edge rushers in nearly every 2026 offseason projection. And Fox Sports just connected them to one of the biggest names who's expected to be available.

In a recent ranking of the top 100 free agents of 2026, Fox Sports linked the Bears to Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson:

"Hendrickson, 31, doesn't have the luster he had a year ago. Instead of coming off back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons and four straight Pro Bowls, he's now coming off core muscle surgery in December that limited him to four sacks in seven games in 2025. He got a one-year, $29 million deal from the Bengals last year, but isn't likely to draw as much this time around. ESPN has him as the league's No. 1 overall free agent, but will he get more than one year guaranteed, and at much more than $20 million a year? He needs 19 sacks to reach 100 for his career and could easily get that in two more healthy seasons."

The logic is pretty straightforward. The Bears' pass rush was inconsistent in 2025, particularly opposite Montez Sweat. Adding a veteran like Hendrickson would immediately change how offensive lines plan for Chicago's defense. He'd be a force multiplier.

Even if Hentrickson is no longer a guy who can approach 18 sacks in a season, his power, motor, and finishing ability will lead to a massive contract in free agency.

Remember: The Bears don't need a five-year starter from this year's free agency market. All GM Ryan Poles has to do is find an impact pass rusher who can elevate a defense that already has some quality pieces in place.

MORE: Latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft Connects Bears to a Fix at One of Their Thinnest Positions

Under Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears' offense is set. For Chicago to take the next step in its quest for a Super Bowl, Poles must focus on closing the gap between the defense and Johnson's offense.

The risk in pursuing a player like Trey Hendrickson is obvious. He's on the wrong side of 30 and didn't have a healthy 2025 season. But the reward is equally clear. At his best, Hendrickson is a force. And pairing him with Sweat could turn a weakness on the Bears' defense into a strength.

There's no doubt Henrdickson would be a boon for the Bears' defense. The only question that remains is whether Chicago is wi

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