The 2026 NFL offseason is underway for the Chicago Bears and it’s going to be a pivotal offseason, to say the least.
After winning the NFC North division title in 2025 and making the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff picture, the Bears are facing expectations of improvement in 2026. Ryan Poles will be tasked with improving the roster and helping take Chicago up another step next season.
On both sides of the football, the Bears have their cornerstone pieces in place. They simply need to add more talent and take a big swing if one presents itself.
Plenty of rumors have already started coming out about what Chicago could choose to do. Maxx Crosby has been the biggest trade rumor thus far, although there is no telling if the Bears are actually going to be involved in trying to acquire him.
That being said, Chicago made its first roster cut of the offseason on Thursday.
Chicago Bears Cut Linebacker in First Move of NFL Offseason
According to a report from Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, the Bears have decided to release veteran linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga. The move saves Chicago $2 million in salary cap space.
Ogbongbemiga spent both the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Bears. This past season, he played in eight games and recorded 17 total tackles and a defended pass.
Back in 2024, he racked up 13 tackles and a sack in 17 games played.
Obviously, the move to release Ogbongbemiga won’t make much of an impact on the 2026 season. He wasn’t a key player by any stretch. But, saving cap space will be important if Chicago chooses to get aggressive pursuing an upgrade.
Expect to hear plenty of rumors about the Bears this offseason. The moves are just getting started.
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