Chicago Bears defensive line faces scrutiny ahead of 2026 season

The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 season facing scrutiny regarding the depth and effectiveness of their defensive line. After ranking 27th in defensive rushing success and 29th in opponents’ yards before contact last season, the franchise has made several roster adjustments to address interior weaknesses.

To bolster the unit, the Bears added veteran defensive tackles Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street through free agency and selected Jordan Van Den Berg in the sixth round of the draft. While the team traded away Gervon Dexter, head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles have expressed confidence in the current rotation. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has specifically highlighted Street as a productive member of the camp.

Grady Jarrett is expected to serve as a primary starter, following a debut performance that included 39 tackles and 1.5 sacks. While the offense, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, is viewed as a source of significant optimism, the ability of the defensive line to improve run defense remains a critical factor for the team’s success.