Chicago Bears Urged To Reunite 3-Time All-Pro With DC Dennis Allen
The Chicago Bears left the 2026 NFL Draft with a few glaring holes on their roster, and none stand out more than the edge rusher position. Despite entering the offseason with a clear mandate to get after opposing quarterbacks, general manager Ryan Poles completely bypassed the position during the draft.
Chicago Bears 2026 NFL Draft Strategy
Head coach Ben Johnson recently defended the decision, expressing confidence in his coaching staff and returning players. However, relying entirely on internal development is a massive gamble for a team with deep playoff aspirations. According to analysts, the Bears have a perfect opportunity to fix this issue in free agency by targeting a familiar face: eight-time Pro Bowl defensive end Cameron Jordan.
A Proven Connection With Dennis Allen
The biggest draw for bringing Jordan to Chicago is his extensive history with Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
Allen served as either the defensive coordinator or head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 2015 to 2024. During that entire decade, Jordan anchored his defensive line. The veteran edge rusher played the absolute best football of his career within Allen’s scheme, mastering the nuances of the system and acting as a primary leader in the locker room.
Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron recently highlighted this connection, noting that the Saints appear ready to move on from their franchise legend. For the Bears, dropping an experienced, highly productive veteran directly into a defense he already knows inside and out makes perfect logical sense.
What Cameron Jordan Brings to the Table
Age is naturally a concern when discussing free-agent additions, and Jordan will play the upcoming season at 37 years old. However, his recent production proves he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
During the 2025 campaign, Jordan remained highly disruptive. He tallied 15 tackles for loss and racked up 10.5 sacks. He no longer needs to play 90 percent of defensive snaps to make an impact. Instead, Chicago can use him as a highly efficient situational pass-rusher, keeping him fresh for critical third downs and late-game scenarios.
Financially, the move aligns with Chicago’s current salary cap situation. Experts project Jordan’s market value at roughly $6.8 million for a one-year deal. That is a highly affordable price tag for a player boasting double-digit sack production and unmatched veteran leadership.
Fixing the Edge Rusher Dilemma
Currently, the Bears’ edge rusher room features Montez Sweat and a collection of unproven talent. The team expects major leaps from returning players like Dayo Odeyingbo, Austin Booker, and Shemar Turner. However, Odeyingbo and Turner are both coming off severe injuries that ruined their 2025 campaigns.
If those young players struggle to return to form, the Chicago pass rush could easily become a disaster. Adding Jordan provides an elite insurance policy. A starting duo of Sweat and Jordan instantly commands respect from opposing offensive lines. It takes the pressure off the younger players, allowing them to rotate in naturally rather than forcing them to carry the defense.
The Final Piece for a Playoff Push
The Bears won the NFC North last year and fell just one score short of reaching the conference championship. They have a roster built to win right now. You do not win playoff games in the NFL without a reliable pass rush. While the front office added defensive tackle depth by signing veterans like Neville Gallimore and Kentavious Street, the edges remain vulnerable.
Reuniting Cameron Jordan with Dennis Allen gives the Bears exactly what they need: a proven, affordable pocket disruptor who understands the defensive scheme and knows how to win. As training camp approaches, keep an eye on this potential blockbuster signing.
