Chicago Bears in Ongoing Negotiations with 2-Time Super Bowl Edge Rusher to Address Pass Rush Concerns

Chicago, IL – March 2026

The Chicago Bears are entering a pivotal stage of roster evaluation as expectations continue to rise under a new competitive window.

With a promising offensive core in place, attention has now shifted toward fixing critical weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball.

One issue stands above the rest. The pass rush, which struggled to generate consistent pressure throughout the 2025 season, remains a major concern for a team aiming to contend.

Despite significant financial investment, the results have not matched expectations.

That reality has forced the front office to reconsider its options. While the current roster still holds potential, relying on internal improvement alone may not be enough to elevate the unit to a playoff-caliber level.

Sources indicate the Bears are currently in ongoing negotiations with veteran edge rusher Kyle Van Noy, a two-time Super Bowl champion viewed as a potential short-term solution to stabilize the pass rush rotation.

Van Noy brings a wealth of experience and proven production across multiple systems. Even at this stage of his career, he remains a disciplined defender capable of contributing in key passing situations and providing leadership in the locker room.

The move comes as Chicago looks to offset the underwhelming impact of Dayo Odeyingbo, whose first season with the team fell short due to both performance issues and injury setbacks.

With limited flexibility to move on from that contract, adding competition becomes a necessary step.

In recent seasons, Van Noy has shown he can still be effective in a situational role, particularly as a pass-rushing specialist.

His ability to step into defined responsibilities could help maximize efficiency without requiring a full-time workload.

Financially, the potential deal aligns with the Bears’ current strategy. A short-term, low-risk contract would allow the team to address an immediate need while maintaining long-term roster flexibility.

As negotiations continue, Chicago’s message is clear. Standing still is no longer an option. If they are to take the next step as a contender, fixing the pass rush must happen now, and this move could be the first step in that direction.