Episode Details

The Chicago Bears defense has been under the microscope all offseason, but is the biggest concern really the pass rush? On today’s episode of Chicago Bears Central, Haize breaks down why the Bears’ run defense may be the bigger issue heading into the 2026 NFL season — and why Grady Jarrett may be one of the most important players on the roster.

After signing a three-year, $43.5 million deal, Jarrett’s first season in Chicago did not live up to expectations. Now entering a pivotal second year with the Bears, he has a chance to prove he can still be a difference-maker next to Gervon Dexter, Neville Gallimore, Montez Sweat, Austin Booker, and the rest of Dennis Allen’s defensive front.

Haize also explains why bad run defense can make a pass rush irrelevant, why the Bears need to improve after allowing too many rushing yards and explosive runs last season, and why the current defensive tackle group still has major questions. Plus, we break down the Bears’ 2026 salary cap by position and why Ryan Poles may not have as much flexibility as fans think.

Can the Bears defense take a real step forward? Is Grady Jarrett ready for a bounce-back season? Is the run defense the key to unlocking the pass rush? Let’s talk about it.

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