Ben Johnson’s stubbornness could cost the Bears dearly in one key area

The Chicago Bears entered the offseason with some very clear needs on their roster, and perhaps the most glaring of all was at pass rusher.

The Bears amassed a grand total of 35 sacks in 2025, which ranked toward the bottom of the NFL. Montez Sweat finished with 10 sacks, which led the team. Gervon Dexter logged six. No other Chicago player even managed five.

Nevertheless, the Bears have refused to rectify the problem this offseason, not adding a single edge rusher to their unit. They did make a push for Maxx Crosby, but ultimately decided the asking price was too high.

Chicago could technically still sign someone like Jadeveon Clowney or Joey Bosa in free agency, but it doesn’t appear interested in doing so.

So, what is the reason for the Bears’ malaise regarding their pass rush? Well, one thing seems pretty clear: Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles are counting on Austin Booker.

Chicago Bears are banking on an Austin Booker breakout

Outside of Sweat, Chicago has Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker at edge rusher.

The Bears signed Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million contract in March 2025, hoping he would provide Sweat with a good secondary pass rusher. Instead, Odeyingbo recorded just one sack in eight games last season before tearing his Achilles.

Booker dealt with injuries, as well, appearing in 10 contests, but he was able to collect 4.5 sacks during the time he was on the field.

Chicago is definitely enamored with the potential that Booker provides, and it was obviously very impressed with the way he performed in limited action last year. But is relying on a former fifth-round pick to break out all that wise?

The Bears absolutely should be looking to add a veteran edge before the season starts. There is absolutely no guarantee that Booker is going to produce like they hope. His sample size of output in 2025 was very small, and he didn’t even play a ton in college.

But Johnson and Co. are being very stubborn in this area. They completely avoided the position in free agency and the NFL Draft, and they are continuing to act like everything is fine as training camp inches closer.

Perhaps Johnson and Poles will end up looking like geniuses when it’s all said and done, but you just can’t help but feel they are missing the boat here.

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