In the wake of the Myles Garrett trade on June 1st, many teams have been put on notice. The ramifications, pun intended, of a move of this magnitude will ripple across the entire league for years to come. Fortunately for the Chicago Bears, the Rams’ acquisition of a player of Garrett’s caliber makes other players more accessible.
It’s no secret that the Bears’ biggest weakness on the roster currently is their defensive line. After being rumored in several big-name trades throughout the offseason, including for Garrett himself, the Bears failed to bring in any notable pre-established talent in free agency or any highly-touted rookies in the draft.
GettyThe only additions the Chicago Bears made to their defensive line were Neville Gallimore in free agency, Jordan van den Berg in the sixth round of the draft, and Jayden Loving as an undrafted free agent.
With Garrett on the roster, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler argues that they are even more likely to move on from two of their defensive line staples next offseason.
Bears Likely To Have An Opportunity To Snag Byron Young and Kobie Turner in FA
“Sources say L.A. is giving early impressions it won’t extend 2027 FAs Puka Nacua, Byron Young, Kobie Turner, Steve Avila this summer,” according to Fowler.
Sports Illustrated’s Mike Moraitis dove deeper into Fowler’s report, making his case for why Chicago should pursue Young and Turner.
“Assuming none of the trio of Austin Booker, Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner step up in 2026, the Bears must upgrade edge rusher next offseason,” Moraitis wrote.
GettyLos Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young recorded 82 total tackles, 12 sacks, and a forced fumble in 2025.
“Young would be just what the doctor ordered for the Bears after he has posted 7.5 or more sacks in each of his first three campaigns, including 12 in a Pro Bowl year in 2025. Young is also an excellent run defender, as evidenced by his 79.3 Pro Football Focus run defense grade last season, so he’d be a massive plus for the Bears in that area, also.”
A new contract for Young is projected to be around $30 million per year, according to Spotrac. While that is a hefty price, given that Chicago wouldn’t have to give up a first-rounder to acquire him, as they would have for Garrett or Crosby, that deal feels more feasible.
GettyLos Angeles Rams defensive end Kobie Turner recorded 48 total tackles, 7 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception in 2025.
As for the interior side, “Turner is another game-wrecker for the Rams after he has notched seven or more sacks in all three of his seasons, Moraitis wrote. “The former third-round pick is a better run defender than anyone the Bears have on the interior now after Turner tallied a 70.8 grade in run defense in 2025. That was much higher than Gervon Dexter, Grady Jarrett and Gallimore, all of whom finished with grades in the 40s against the run.”
Either one of these pieces being added to Chicago’s defense would offer a significant upgrade, but adding both would solidify a unit that could push them over the edge for a Super Bowl.
Caleb Williams Looming Contract Extension Could Complicate Free Agent Acquisitions
Most of Chicago’s financial decisions in 2027 will be decided by how they handle Caleb Williams looming contract extension. The Bears are currently set to have just over $14 million in cap space next season, which is the 12th lowest in the league.
If the team opts to extend Williams next offseason, that would land them at the bottom of the barrel in terms of financial wiggle room for free agents. General manager Ryan Poles will have his work cut out for him as he’ll attempt to improve a roster that won’t operate with a quarterback on a rookie contract anymore.
Myles Garrett Trade Paves Way For Bears To Steal Two Key Rams’ Defenders