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Ben Johnson took the Chicago Bears to the next level during the 2025-26 season, and that's something to celebrate.
But, they didn't go all the way.
Sure, it would have been crazy for the Bears to make it to the Super Bowl in Johnson's first season with the team, but don't tell him that, because you know he wanted it.
So, Johnson has stepped up during the NFL offseason and is reshaping this lineup.
However, there's a piece of the puzzle missing.
He doesn't have a superstar edge rusher, and in a league that's become almost all about edge rushers, that's a problem.
Ben Johnson still needs a superstar edge rusher in the Bears' defense The edge rusher is the heart of the defense.
He applies pressure to the quarterback and can stop great plays before they start.
Teams who have the best edge rushers usually have the best defenses, too.
But, Johnson and the Bears still don't have their star player in that position.
On Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN released a tally of the 10 best edge rushers in the league, as voted on by league executives, coaches and scouts.
You know, the guys who actually know something about these players.
The Bears didn't make the top 10 or honorable mentions, and that's a problem.
It's even more so an issue because two of their NFC North rivals did make the cut: Micah Parsons of the Green Bay Packers at No.
2 and Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions at No.
5.
The Bears rounded out the NFC North in the top spot last season, but that's going to be difficult going up against Parsons and Hutchinson and not having an answerable response.
Of course, Johnson has shown that he shouldn't be underestimated, so anything is possible, but it's a troubling sign in the Windy City.
More NFL news: - Tom Brady slams Raiders after poor 2025 season: 'Everybody needs to improve' - 49ers' George Kittle issues warning to teams interested in Brandon Aiyuk - All-Pro defender named potential cut candidate for Pittsburgh Steelers - Broncos' Bo Nix provides encouraging update amid right ankle recovery - Giants' John Harbaugh provides encouraging update on Malik Nabers.