NFL Insider Predicts Bears Sign Former Defensive Rookie of the Year

All eyes are on the Chicago Bears this offseason, focused in on figuring out what they’re going to do. They have a new offensive coordinator, the first overall pick in the draft (and the ninth), and a ton of big decisions to make.

While all that focus is on the offense, nobody is really talking about the defense. Even without a true defensive coordinator for most of the year, this unit made huge strides to improve from just a year ago. Projections had them to be one of the worst in the league this past year, but that was put to bed quick as they became one of the best defenses in the league.

The main focus for the Bears on the defensive side of the ball is going to be working out a contract for cornerback Jaylon Johnson. But while they work that out, the latest prediction has the Bears making another big splash in free agency.

Bears Rumors: Chicago Predicted to Sign Chase Young

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote a piece for ESPN+ (Subscription Required) making some predictions about the upcoming season using information gathered from top executives. In it, he predicts the Bears will sign defensive end Chase Young to a deal.

Young was teammates with newly acquired and extended Bear Montez Sweat in Washington with the Commanders. When Sweat was traded to the Bears, Young was traded to the San Francisco 49ers.

Young would be a huge addition to an already great defensive unit in Chicago. The Bears signing him, working a long-term deal out with Johnson, and hiring the right coordinator could have this team as a solidified contender no matter what ends up happening on the offensive side of the ball. If the opposition can’t score points, the Bears won’t need to put too much on the board themselves.

Then again, this article also predicts the hated Green Bay Packers winning next year’s Super Bowl. So take this information for what you will.