The Chicago Bears may see a reunion on their defensive line as Montez Sweat could be joined by former Washington Commanders teammate Jonathan Allen, who the Minnesota Vikings are expected to release soon. This potential move comes amid Chicago’s effort to strengthen their pass rush following an 11-6 season in 2025 that brought the franchise its first NFC North title and playoff victory in 15 years.
Chicago’s Need to Fortify the Defensive Interior
Despite their recent success, the Bears revealed a critical weakness on their defensive front last season. Ranking 22nd in sacks with 35 and 27th in rushing yards allowed per game at 134.5, the team has identified the interior defensive line as an area in need of improvement. Jonathan Allen’s availability could address this gap, bringing added strength and experience to the defensive tackle position.
Monte Sweat has already established himself as a key figure in Chicago’s pass rush since his trade in 2023. In 2025, Sweat tallied 10 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and 13 tackles for loss, along with three forced fumbles, making him the centerpiece of the Bears’ pressure on opposing offenses.
“He’s a guy that we count on,”
Johnson said late in the season.
“I know the sack numbers is what everybody looks at when it comes to edge rushers, and he’s at double digits. He’s played really good football in that regard, but as I’ve told him, as the year has gone along, for me it’s not just the sacks, it’s also the pressures and the quarterback hits.”
– Johnson
Bringing Allen alongside Sweat could revive the inside-out pressure dynamic they shared with the Washington Commanders, which would provide Chicago’s defensive front with a significant upgrade heading into 2026.
Addressing Depth and Performance on the Defensive Line
The Bears’ defensive tackle group saw Gervon Dexter Sr. emerge as their most productive player at the position in 2025, recording a career-high seven sacks and 44 tackles. However, other contributors like Grady Jarrett struggled to reach similar impact levels, with Jarrett delivering just three sacks in over 600 snaps. Additionally, concerns remain about the depth on the defensive line as free agents such as Andrew Billings are expected to depart.
Young defensive lineman Shemar Turner, who appeared in only five games as a rookie due to a torn ACL, is also set to return, but uncertainty remains about his readiness and role on the team.
Jonathan Allen’s 2025 campaign saw him participate in all 17 games for Minnesota, finishing with 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks. The Vikings’ decision to release Allen appears driven more by salary cap considerations than his on-field performance, freeing up about $6.5 million in cap space.
Potential Impact of Signing Jonathan Allen for the Bears
If the Bears sign Jonathan Allen, they would not only bolster their defensive tackle corps but also gain a veteran familiar with their current star Montez Sweat. Although Allen is 31 years old, his experience and previous chemistry with Sweat could fast-track the defensive improvements under coordinator Dennis Allen.
This acquisition would represent a strategic win for Chicago by both reinforcing their pass rush and taking advantage of a cap-driven decision by a division rival. Such a move could strengthen the Bears’ defensive front, enhancing their chances to build upon last season’s breakthrough success.
Adding a former Pro Bowl defensive tackle who has played alongside one of the team’s top defenders could be a crucial factor for the Bears as they enter the new season and aim to maintain their competitiveness in the NFC North.
