Among free agents, Jaelan Phillips is viewed as one of the best fits, with a projected three-year contract around $80 million total (about $27 million per year). A 2021 first-round pick of the Dolphins, Phillips had 22 sacks in his first 2.5 seasons before injuries surfaced; he was traded to the Eagles in 2025 and, in eight games with Philly, generated 17 QB pressures, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. 🏈💰⚡️
Question marks remain on Phillips due to injury history, having missed nine games in 2023 and 13 in 2024. He played all 17 contests this year and still looks explosive, is just 27, and a three-year deal would carry him into his age-29 season. Teams would likely include health safeguards in any contract given his past, providing some protection for Chicago. 🏥🛡️
Trey Hendrickson is another free-agent option, but at 31 he could carry a similar price tag to Phillips without the same youth upside. Hendrickson missed 10 games in 2025 and has a recent history of injuries for an older defender, which could temper the Bears’ interest. 🧓💸
A trade for Maxx Crosby would be the boldest path, but it would likely cost two first-round picks plus a pricey, longer contract—making it a larger financial commitment than signing Phillips or Hendrickson. Alternatively, the Bears could use their first-round pick in the 2026 class to land a rookie edge rusher. ESPN’s Jordan Reid projected Cashius Howell of Texas A&M in Round 1, possibly No. 20, though Chicago’s pick will sit at No. 25 after the Wild Card win. Howell (6’2″, 248) posted 11.5 sacks this season and could provide a disruptive, energetic complement to Montez Sweat at No. 25 if he’s still on the board. 🧢🏈📈
