The Chicago Bears may have finished ahead of the Detroit Lions and the rest of the National Football League’s NFC North last season, but the roster still has clear weaknesses heading into 2026. Despite the strong play of quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears remain far from a complete team.

Chicago’s defense still needs significant improvement, particularly when it comes to generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, the team chose not to address that glaring need during the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, the Bears spent mid-round selections on additional offensive weapons, adding a tight end and wide receiver despite already having depth at those positions.

Bears Linked to Veteran Pass Rusher Joey Bosa

According to Pro Football Network analyst Jacob Infante, the Bears could look to fix their pass-rush problem in free agency by pursuing veteran defensive end Joey Bosa.

In 2025, Bosa recorded five sacks and led the league with five forced fumbles while playing for the Buffalo Bills after leaving the Los Angeles Chargers. While still capable of making an impact, injuries have consistently limited the veteran defender throughout his career.

Signing Bosa might have been a major concern for the Lions several years ago, but that may no longer be the case. At over 30 years old and with a history of missed games, durability remains a major question mark.

Financially, the move could also be risky. Contract projection site Spotrac estimates Bosa’s market value at roughly $13.7 million per season. That’s a sizable investment for a player who has struggled to stay on the field, which even prevented the San Francisco 49ers from pairing him with his brother, Nick Bosa.

If Chicago chooses to spend that kind of money on an aging defender instead of developing younger pass rushers, it could end up being a gamble that benefits Detroit.

Lions Eye NFC North Revenge in 2026

After a disappointing 2025 season, the Detroit Lions are motivated to bounce back. Head coach Dan Campbell and the front office made multiple improvements during the offseason while also moving on from offensive coordinator John Morton.

Detroit’s roster has been strengthened on both sides of the ball, positioning the team to challenge for the NFC North title once again.

If divisional rivals fail to significantly upgrade their rosters, the Lions could find themselves in a strong position to reclaim control of one of the NFL’s toughest divisions.

Packers Taking a Look at Chase Claypool

Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are also making headlines with a potential wide receiver move. According to NFL insider Ari Meirov, the Packers are hosting former wideout Chase Claypool for a tryout during rookie minicamp.

Claypool entered the league with significant expectations after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. With his rare combination of size and speed, many believed he could become one of the league’s top receivers.

However, his career has not followed that trajectory. After struggling to meet expectations in Pittsburgh, Claypool was traded to the Chicago Bears, where his tenure was also disappointing. He later joined the Miami Dolphins, appearing in just nine games and recording four catches for 26 yards.

Packers Already Have Strong Receiving Options

The Packers already have a solid group of pass catchers, including Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and rookie wideout Matthew Golden. They also feature one of the rising tight ends in the league, Tucker Kraft.

Adding Claypool could create unnecessary distractions for head coach Matt LaFleur and the Packers’ locker room.

For Lions fans, seeing division rivals make questionable roster decisions could ultimately work in Detroit’s favor. If either the Bears or Packers struggle because of these moves, it may help the Lions regain momentum in the competitive NFC North race.