Aside from their offensive line, the Chicago Bears’ defense was one of their biggest weaknesses last season.
While their secondary remained steady throughout the year, the pass rush lacked talent, relying mostly on veterans Montez Sweat and Gervon Dexter Sr. The Bears are more likely to target an offensive lineman or running back with the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, meaning free agency or the trade market will be key to improving their pass rush.
If Chicago’s front office looks to free agency, they could pursue a veteran Super Bowl champion.
Bears Predicted To Sign Von Miller
Von Miller was on a lucrative six-year, $120 million contract before the Buffalo Bills parted ways with him. With Buffalo facing a significant cap crunch, allowing Miller to sign elsewhere frees up flexibility to add new talent.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton initially predicted Buffalo would trade Miller to the Bears before news of his release broke. Now, PFSN’s No. 15 edge rusher could land in Chicago as a free agent.
“At 35, Von Miller is no longer an every-down pass rusher. He tore his ACL at the end of his first year with the Buffalo Bills in 2022, and he played less than 34 percent of the defensive snaps in 2023 and 2024,” Moton wrote. “However, a team with a ton of cap space like the Chicago Bears may be willing to acquire the 14-year veteran.”
The Bears defense ranked 13th in the NFL last season, according to PFSN’s Defense+ metric. While Miller isn’t the same player he was with the Denver Broncos, even a limited role could help push Chicago’s defense into the top 10.
Meanwhile, Buffalo’s defense ranked No. 18, per PFSN’s metric. If the Bills don’t re-sign Miller, they’ll need to bring in reinforcements to stay competitive in the AFC against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.
“The Bears can mix and match a young pass rusher with Miller opposite Montez Sweat on the edge. In Chicago, Miller would reunite with Dennis Allen, who was his first defensive coordinator in the NFL,” Moton added.
Miller finished the 2024 season with six sacks in 13 games. While that may not be an elite stat line, under the right circumstances, he could still be a solid fit in Chicago. Beyond his on-field production, his leadership and veteran presence could be invaluable in the Bears’ locker room.
Other Options at Defensive End
Given that this is a packed free agent class at the EDGE position, there are other options for Chicago to explore. While Miller has the name and the accolades, he’s on the backend of his career, and may find himself back in Buffalo before it’s all said and done. So, let’s take a look at other options if Miller doesn’t end up in the Windy City.
Khalil Mack
Could a reunion be in the works? Khalil Mack could be a better fit, but comes with a semi-higher price tag than what Miller (turns 36 at the end of March) would bring in.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, however, tied Mack and the Bears together. Mack is only two years younger than Miller, but he would come in after registering six sacks and two forced fumbles last season with the Chargers.
Haason Reddick
Haason Reddick was the topic of controversy after he was traded to the New York Jets before the 2024 season. In the end, Reddick, bit the bullet and suited up for 10 games, in order to become a free agent this season.
Before 2024, he was a back-to-back Pro Bowler in 2022 and 2023, combining for 27 sacks, 24 tackles for loss, and 87 total tackles.
The season with the Jets may have ruined Reddick’s value, so adding him to the fold can both reignite his career, and boost the Bears’ defense.
Josh Sweat
Josh Sweat is going to get paid after an incredible season with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
He may not be on Chicago’s radar, but for a team that is desperately looking to improve its defense, Sweat would be perfect for the Bears.
Malcolm Koonce
Last season for the Las Vegas Raiders, Malcolm Koonce broke out as a legitimate pass rusher.
Entering his fourth season, Koonce may very well remain with the Raiders as he fits the mold that Pete Carroll looks for. But if the Bears wanted to make waves, utilizing Koonce has their premier playmaker can pay dividends.
Last season, Koonce registered eight sacks, nine tackles for loss, and had three forced fumbles. Seems like a match made in heaven for an organization desperate to change its identity.
Dumbest article ever.
No! Just no…..
Why hamstring yourself for someone who is close to running on empty. Really really big mistake!