The Chicago Bears are in the lead to sign a six-time All-Pro, which may complete their defense without going over budget.

As the NFL offseason unfolds, the Chicago Bears are positioning themselves for a pivotal year in their rebuilding process. Under the guidance of head coach Matt Eberflus, the Bears have made significant strides, particularly on the offensive side of the ball with Justin Fields leading the charge. But for the Bears to truly contend in the NFC North and make a deeper playoff push in 2025, their defense must continue its upward trajectory.

In recent years, the Bears have built a solid foundation on defense, but they still lack that one truly dominant force that can elevate the entire unit. There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding a potential acquisition of a six-time All-Pro player who could fit that role, completing the defense without pushing the team over the budget or compromising long-term financial flexibility. The Bears are in a position to be major players in this offseason’s market, and the addition of this defensive star could be exactly what they need to propel them into contention.

The Bears’ Current Defensive Landscape

Since Matt Eberflus took over as head coach, the Bears’ defense has shown incremental improvement. Eberflus, a former defensive coordinator, instilled his principles of speed, aggression, and flexibility into the unit. While the defense took significant steps in 2024, there are still clear weaknesses that need to be addressed, especially in the trenches and on the edge.

Despite these gaps, the Bears’ defense boasts several promising young players. Roquan Smith, one of the league’s top linebackers, anchors the middle of the field, while the secondary, led by Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon, shows plenty of promise. But the Bears are still missing that one elite game-changer on the defensive line. A dominant pass rusher could elevate the play of the entire defense by creating consistent pressure on quarterbacks and forcing turnovers. Adding a 6-time All-Pro player could do just that.

Who is the Six-Time All-Pro?

While the Bears have not officially announced any specific targets, rumors point to a star defensive player who is widely regarded as one of the most dominant forces of the past decade: Aaron Donald, the future Hall-of-Famer and the cornerstone of the Los Angeles Rams’ defense.

Donald has been an absolute wrecking ball on the interior of the defensive line for years. A 3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and 6-time All-Pro, Donald has consistently been the gold standard for defensive linemen. His ability to disrupt both the run game and the passing game makes him one of the most feared players in the NFL. The only question surrounding Donald’s future is whether or not he will remain with the Rams. As Los Angeles enters a rebuilding phase, the Rams may be willing to part with Donald for a trade package that doesn’t demand a massive return.

From the Bears’ perspective, this would be the perfect opportunity to acquire a generational talent who could immediately upgrade their defense. Not only would Donald fill the glaring need for a dominant pass rusher, but he would also provide veteran leadership to a relatively young defense. Donald’s experience, having played in multiple playoff games, would be invaluable for a team that is trying to build a competitive defense capable of making a deep run in the postseason.

Why the Bears are Well Positioned to Acquire Aaron Donald

There are several reasons why the Chicago Bears are in an ideal position to acquire Aaron Donald at a relatively affordable price.

1. Cap Space and Financial Flexibility

The Bears currently have one of the largest salary caps in the NFL for the 2025 season. This gives them significant flexibility to add high-caliber players without putting themselves in a difficult financial situation down the road. While Aaron Donald carries a hefty contract, the Bears’ ability to fit him into their cap without sacrificing future cap space makes them an attractive destination for the Rams.

Furthermore, with Donald possibly available for a trade at a value, the Bears can take advantage of a rare opportunity to land a 6-time All-Pro without having to part with a large amount of assets or future salary cap space. Given the Rams’ potential willingness to shed salary and retool their roster, the Bears could find themselves in a prime position to acquire the defensive powerhouse at a relative bargain.

2. A Competitive Window

The Bears are no longer in full rebuild mode. They have a promising quarterback in Justin Fields, and their offensive line has shown improvement. The team is building towards becoming a legitimate contender in the NFC, and their defense is the final piece that could push them over the top. Adding a player like Aaron Donald would complete a defense that already has a solid foundation in place, giving the Bears a well-rounded roster capable of competing with the league’s elite teams.

Additionally, with the NFC North still up for grabs in the coming seasons, the Bears have a unique opportunity to capitalize on the relative weakness of their division and elevate their standing. A dominant defensive presence like Donald could be the difference between finishing in the middle of the pack and making a deep playoff run.

3. The Rams’ Rebuilding Process

As mentioned, the Los Angeles Rams are currently undergoing a rebuilding process. They’re transitioning from the glory days of their Super Bowl run, and their financial situation is in flux. The Rams have significant salary cap issues, and moving Donald’s contract could help them clear much-needed cap space. While it’s unlikely the Rams would give up Donald for pennies on the dollar, it’s conceivable that they would entertain trade offers that wouldn’t break the bank, especially if they could acquire assets that would help their rebuild.

Given the Rams’ cap situation and the fact that Donald may not be a long-term part of their plans, the Bears could capitalize on this opportunity to make a competitive offer. The key for the Bears will be negotiating a trade package that provides sufficient compensation for the Rams while keeping their future assets intact.

4. Leadership and Mentorship

While Donald’s on-field production speaks for itself, his leadership and mentorship abilities would be equally valuable for the Bears. At 33 years old, Donald is entering the final phase of his career, but he still plays at an elite level. His experience and work ethic would be an invaluable asset to a relatively young Bears defense.

Players like Roquan Smith, Jaquan Brisker, and Kyler Gordon are still developing their games, and having a player like Donald in the locker room would accelerate their growth. Donald’s ability to disrupt plays and change the course of a game would also provide a template for younger players to follow. His knowledge and understanding of the game would be an asset both on and off the field.

How Aaron Donald Completes the Bears’ Defense

The Bears have a promising defense, but they still lack that one elite, game-changing player who can take over a game. Aaron Donald would instantly provide that dominant presence in the interior defensive line. He’s the type of player who can single-handedly disrupt an offense, whether it’s by sacking the quarterback or stuffing the run game.

1. Interior Pressure and Pass Rush

Aaron Donald’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback from the interior of the defensive line is unrivaled. In today’s NFL, pressure up the middle is often more effective than pressure from the edge, and Donald has consistently proven himself to be a force in that area. The Bears’ defensive line would instantly be more dangerous with Donald, and his ability to collapse the pocket from the inside would free up other defenders to get to the quarterback.

2. Run Defense

Donald’s size, strength, and technique make him a force against the run. The Bears have been solid against the run in recent seasons, but adding Donald would make them even more difficult to move the ball against. His ability to disrupt running plays in the backfield would give the Bears more control over opposing offenses, allowing them to dictate the flow of the game.

3. Leadership and Experience

In addition to his physical abilities, Donald’s experience as a 6-time All-Pro and his leadership would make him an invaluable asset in the Bears’ locker room. He would set the tone for the defense, raising the level of play for everyone around him.