Andrew Buller-Russ
Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, many analysts thought the Chicago Bears would target a pass rusher early on, possibly even with the 25th overall pick in the first round. Yet, when Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman was surprisingly still on the board once the Bears were on the clock, Chicago’s front office didn’t hesitate to turn in their draft card for the star defensive back.
Selecting Thieneman, the best player available, shouldn’t have come as a big surprise. What was more notable was the fact that the Bears didn’t select an edge rusher with any of their other six selections.
However, Bears general manager Ryan Poles may not be done addressing the team’s weaknesses. They could turn to free agency to find a pass rusher, and there are still a pair of Pro Bowl players available.
According to Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer, the Bears could target someone like Cameron Jordan or former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney. Both are likely looking to join a contender, and the Bears could be an ideal fit.
“Now that they haven’t, I think the two names you mentioned would be in play as we get closer to the start of training camp. Cameron Jordan, of course, was with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen in New Orleans, and might make sense as a short-term fix (he’ll be 37 in July). Similarly, Jadeveon Clowney fits the big, long, rugged type of edge player Allen favors. Seeing Odeyingbo and Booker in the spring should help inform decision-making on all of this.”
SI’s Albert Breer on Bears’ pass rush targets
Last year, the Bears acquired Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo. Sweat did his part, recording 10 sacks. But Odeyingbo didn’t do his part, recording just one sack. Now, they could be looking for another rotational edge rusher, and Jordan and/or Clowney could be an ideal fit.
Related: 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating Worst, Best Teams After NFL Draft
