Defensive line depth remains a top priority for the Bears heading into the 2026 season, especially after finishing 27th in quarterback pressure rate and 25th in pressures allowed in 2025 per Next Gen Stats, with both edge and interior positions in need of an upgrade.
Thibodeaux’s production has been uneven for a former No. 5 overall pick. He posted career-low sacks (2.5) and games played (10) in 2024 and is entering the final year of his rookie contract, with a $14.75 million cap hit in 2026 on his fifth-year option. Yet his 2023 production—11.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles—along with a solid 2025 run-defense grade (80.7) suggests upside when healthy.
If the Bears had pursued Thibodeaux, he could have been a high-upside short-term option at the edge, though many projected the Giants would demand a mid-round pick. The latest update lowers the likelihood of a deal, even as no outcome is ever fully ruled out.
With three days until the draft, Chicago is widely expected to target an edge rusher in the first round. The No. 25 overall pick could land an edge defender or an interior lineman, with Missouri’s Zion Young drawing interest and Keldric Faulk also connected to the Bears. Additional options in the second round could include Oklahoma’s R. Mason Thomas, Illinois’ Gabe Jacas, and UCF’s Malachi Lawrence, giving Chicago multiple paths to boost the pass rush.
Two late-second-round selections provide flexibility to trade up for a priority target if needed. The 2026 NFL draft begins Thursday, April 23, and the Bears are expected to focus on strengthening their defensive line to address both edge and interior alignments.
