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The Chicago Bears are entering the 2026 season with momentum on their side after making a run to the Divisional Round. Now it’s up to head coach Ben Johnson and company to keep the franchise’s seat at the postseason table.
For all the success Chicago found in 2025, Johnson isn’t taking his foot off the gas. The Bears have plenty of talent on their roster. But it’s not like their most recent campaign was a perfect season. From quarterback Caleb Williams down, every player must take a step forward in 2026.
That remains extremely true when it comes to the team’s pass rush unit. The Bears finished their 2025 campaign tied for the fifth-fewest sacks with 35. And yet, Chicago didn’t do much over the offseason to address the issue. Instead, the franchise doubled down on the faith they have in the player’s currently on the roster.
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Which is why third-year defensive end Austin Booker’s play will be heavily monitored throughout the 2026 campaign. If he develops how the Bears are expecting, their pass rush problems will become easily forgotten. But if thinks remain stagnant, Chicago may be forced to look for external help.
Austin Booker can make, break Bears 2026 season
Montez Sweat remains the unquestioned leader of the Bears’ pass rush. But the team has struggled to find the right partner opposite him since his arrival in 2023. Dayo Odeyingbo may start at least to begin the season due to his contract. But Booker will get plenty of opportunities and will have a chance to parlay them for more based on his play.
During the 2025 season, the defensive end put up 35 tackles, 12 quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks over his 10 games. Despite the limited playing time, Booker ranked second on the Bears in quarterback hits and third in sacks.
While there have been flashes of brilliance, the 24-year-old is entering 2026 with just 27 games and nine starts total over his NFL career. Chicago is putting plenty of pressure on Booker by having him positioned as a key pass rusher.
But the team’s offseason moves show they feel confident having him in that role. If the Bears didn’t believe in Booker, it seems more likely they’d draft a pass rusher or sign one of the many available in free agency. Instead, it is now the former fifth-round pick being propped up as the potential answer.
Johnson’s offensive acumen was in full display during his Chicago debut. Williams took the leap forward many were expecting and looked much closer to his No. 1 pick ceiling. Overall, all eyes will be on the Bears’ offense whenever they are playing.
For the franchise to truly become Super Bowl contenders, their defense must much that output. Chicago must be a cohesive unit on all fronts and can’t have any glaring weak spots. If their pass rush struggles again, it’ll be too easy for opposing quarterbacks to find success.
Booker will now play a hefty role in determining where Chicago’s defense stands. All the stars have aligned for him to have a breakout season. The only thing left to do is prove he is the standout defensive end the Bears need him to be.
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