The Chicago Bears are entering an offseason centered on overhauling their defense, especially with the future of safeties Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard in question as they approach free agency. After finishing near the bottom of the league in total defense and managing only 35 sacks in 17 games, the Bears face pressing needs to revamp a secondary plagued by injuries to key starters.
With several defensive backs including Brisker and Byard potentially leaving, general manager Ryan Poles has an opportunity to reshape the Bears’ defensive backfield during the draft and free agency period. The focus on bolstering the defense aligns closely with the team’s aim to improve its pass defense, which ranked 22nd last season by allowing 227.2 yards per outing.
Mock Draft Predicts Bears Will Prioritize Safety Over Edge Rusher
Contrary to some fan expectations for an edge rusher, FOX Sports NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang’s latest mock draft suggests the Bears will opt for Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. Rang highlighted the strength of this year’s defensive back rookie class and believes Chicago will capitalize on it to rebuild its secondary.
“The defensive backs are a relative strength of this year’s rookie class, and I expect Chicago to be among the teams to take full advantage of that fact. After all, the Bears finished 29th in the NFL with 31 passing touchdowns allowed. And with eight defensive backs on the roster set to hit free agency — including starting safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker — GM Ryan Poles has a chance to reset the Chicago secondary. Thieneman is a personal favorite. He’s instinctive, versatile and a natural playmaker with 10 turnovers forced over three years at Oregon and Purdue.”
— Rob Rang, FOX Sports NFL Draft analyst
Potential Impact of Selecting Dillon Thieneman on Bears Defense
Dillon Thieneman’s versatility offers Chicago’s defensive coordinator Dennis Allen multiple tactical options. The safety’s ability to contribute both near the line of scrimmage as a linebacker and drop back into coverage can strengthen pass defense and enable more forced turnovers, an area the Bears desperately need to improve.
While some fans hope for acquiring a high-profile pass rusher to increase pressure on opposing quarterbacks, the Bears may explore free agency or trades instead, as adding such talent might come at the cost of valuable draft capital. Players like Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby are potential fits, but the Bears’ priority remains rebuilding a younger, healthier secondary considering Byard’s age and Brisker’s recent injuries.
Imagining the Bears defense in 2026 with Thieneman’s playmaking skills adds optimism to their rebuilding path, as bolstering the secondary is critical to reducing passing touchdowns allowed and improving overall defensive stability.
