The Chicago Bears still have a clear hole on the edge, and as the offseason market thins out, the debate has shifted from whether they need help to which veteran makes the most sense. ESPN's Matt Miller recently connected Chicago to seven-time All-Pro Von Miller, arguing the Bears could use him as a situational pass-rusher while they wait for Dayo Odeyingbo and rookie Shemar Turner to recover from significant injuries. On paper, the idea works. But when the Bears' actual defensive needs are examined closely, Cameron Jordan appears to offer a cleaner and far more practical fit for Dennis Allen's defense entering 2026.
Why does Cameron Jordan make more sense for the Bears than Von Miller?
Chicago's problem is bigger than simply finding someone who can rush the passer on third-and-long. Odeyingbo's Achilles recovery could easily linger into the regular season, and Turner is still working back from a torn ACL while adjusting to the NFL level. That leaves the Bears needing a complete defensive end capable of handling early downs without becoming a liability against the run.
That distinction matters. Miller suggested Von Miller could thrive in a reduced role, writing: "That could open the door for Miller as a sub-package defender for Chicago. At this stage of his career, Miller is best used as a true designated pass-rusher. He had a team-high nine sacks for the [Washington] Commanders last season."
The production still exists, but the role is limited. Chicago's defense under Allen asks more from its edge defenders than simply attacking quarterbacks in obvious passing situations.
Jordan quietly checked more of those boxes last season. According to Pro Football Focus, both veterans generated similar pass-rush numbers. Jordan recorded 36 pressures and 10.5 sacks over 336 pass-rush snaps, while Miller also produced 36 pressures across 289 snaps. The gap appears once the run game enters the conversation.
Jordan played 235 run-defense snaps and posted an elite 82.1 PFF grade, ranking fourth among qualified edge defenders. He also piled up 15 tackles for loss. Miller, meanwhile, logged just 119 run-defense snaps with a 67.2 grade and six tackles for loss.
For Chicago, that difference is difficult to ignore.
Allen already knows exactly how to deploy Jordan because their history stretches across a decade in New Orleans Saints. Jordan earned seven Pro Bowls and all three of his All-Pro selections while playing in Allen's system. There would be little adjustment period, which becomes valuable for a Bears team trying to defend an NFC North title after finishing 11-6 last season.
Financially, the move also lines up. Spotrac projects Jordan's value around $6.8 million on a one-year deal, a manageable number for a contender looking for short-term stability. At nearly 37, Jordan is no longer a long-term solution. But Chicago does not need one right now.
What the Bears need is reliability, versatility and experience while their younger pass-rushers heal and develop. Jordan offers all three, along with something the Saints currently cannot promise him: a realistic shot at finally adding a Super Bowl ring to a résumé that is already close to complete.
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