The Chicago Bears may not need to look outside the building to address one of their biggest remaining needs.
As attention has shifted toward potential late offseason additions and draft targets, a new report suggests Chicago is already optimistic about its internal options.
According to Brad Biggs, the Bears are extremely high on defensive end Austin Booker and believe his trajectory could take another step heading into 2026. That belief comes at a critical time, with Chicago still looking to solidify the pass rush.
“If Austin Booker can pick up where he left off at the end of last season, that’s one way for the Bears to be better rushing the passer,” Biggs noted. “We saw him playing at a pretty high level for a little less than half a season.”
For much of the offseason, Chicago was heavily linked to blockbuster pass rush moves, including ongoing speculation around Raiders star Maxx Crosby and other high-end edge defenders. The Bears were consistently mentioned as a logical fit.
However, no deal ever materialized. That hesitation may not have been accidental. It’s becoming increasingly clear the organization believes its answer could already be in Booker.
“If Austin Booker can pick up where he left off at the end of last season, that’s one way for the bears to be better rushing the passer. We saw him playing at a pretty high level
Bears Counting on Austin Booker to Take Next Step
Booker’s flashes late in the season didn’t come out of nowhere. The former Day 3 pick showed real development as the year progressed, giving Chicago a glimpse of what he could become in an expanded role.
Biggs pointed specifically to Booker’s growth from his rookie season into 2025, suggesting another leap isn’t out of the question.
“If Booker is healthy and can make a jump from Year 2 to Year 3, like he did from his rookie season to 2025, they’ll have an interesting player,” Biggs said.
That’s the key. This isn’t about projecting a finished product, it’s about betting on progression.
Chicago has already invested heavily in its defense over the past year, and internally, there’s a growing belief Booker can be part of that next wave. His length, burst and ability to disrupt at the point of attack flashed more consistently as his role expanded late in the season. If that growth carries over, he could step into a much bigger role than expected.
Internal Development Could Shape Bears’ Pass Rush Plans
The timing of this optimism matters.
Chicago has been connected to multiple pass rush options over the past few months, but no major move has materialized. That could be by design. If the front office believes Booker is ready for a larger role, it changes how aggressive they need to be in adding another edge presence.
Biggs made it clear there are no guarantees.
“Is that a lock to happen? Of course not,” he said. “But I believe the Bears are optimistic about his career arc.”
That optimism could ultimately shape the Bears’ approach moving forward.
Rather than forcing a splash addition, Chicago may lean into internal development and see if Booker can emerge as a legitimate complement to Montez Sweat, and solve a major team need without making another move.
Bears’ Answer to Biggest Team Need May Already Be on Roster