The 2026 Chicago Bears offseason is officially underway — and the pressure is on.

After an 11-6 season, NFC North title, and a playoff win under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears now face their toughest challenge yet. Chicago has 27 pending free agents, is projected to be $5.3 million over the salary cap, and enters 2026 with the hardest strength of schedule in the NFL (.550).

In this episode of Chicago Bears Central, Haize breaks down:

• Which free agents must be re-signed (Kevin Byard? Jaquan Brisker? Nahshon Wright?)
• The Bears’ current salary cap situation
• A full look at the 2026 opponents
• Why Super Bowl LX made one need painfully obvious: PASS RUSH
• Should Ryan Poles pursue Trey Hendrickson, Maxx Crosby, or draft an edge?

The Bears are officially in contender territory. Now the margin for error is gone.

Bear Down. 🐻⬇️

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