30 Most Important Bears of 2026: Dayo Odeyingbo (No. 26)

Story by

Story by
30 Most Important Bears of 2026: Dayo Odeyingbo (No. 26)

Alyssa Barbieri and Brendan Sugrue, Bears Wire · Bears Wire

Fri, Jul 3, 2026 ·

4 min read

About Our Ads

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a hyped 2026 season, where they're looking to build off their impressive first season under head coach Ben Johnson, which included an NFC North title and a wild-card playoff win. While they found success in 2025, it's a brand new slate for this Bears team following an offseason of change, including the departures of key veterans and the additions of new veterans and exciting rookies.

The work begins in training camp, where Johnson will put his team through the wringer with the intent to prepare them for the 2026 season. Every day from now right up through training camp, we're counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season. We'll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.

Next up at No. 26 is defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo , who has plenty to prove after an injury-shortened first season in Chicago. With the Bears pass rush facing questions, Odeyingbo is going to be key to the unit's success in 2026.

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) talks with head coach Ben Johnson during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) stretches during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Skyler Thomas (38) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump stretches during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump (64) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) runs during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (23) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Jaren Kump (L) and Garrett Bradbury (R) train during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears line backer Wayne Matthews III runs with the ball (35) during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Caden Barnett (76) runs on the field during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs with the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) passes the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Logan Jones #54 of the Chicago Bears prepares to run through drills during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: D'Andre Swift #4 of the Chicago Bears looks on during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Rome Odunze #15 of the Chicago Bears prepares to run drills during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Kyle Monangai #25 of the Chicago Bears runs drills during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Roschon Johnson #23 of the Chicago Bears looks on during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Theo Benedet #79 of the Chicago Bears warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Gervon Dexter Sr. #99 of the Chicago Bears warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears runs through drills during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Rome Odunze #15 of the Chicago Bears warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears warms up during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Luther Burden III #10 of the Chicago Bears puts on his helmet during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears looks on during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 10, 2026 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
(Geoff Stellfox, Getty Images)

Background

Position:Defensive end

Age: 26

Experience: 6th season

2026 cap hit: $20.5 million

2025 recap

The Bears signed Odeyingbo to a hefty three-year, $48 million contract with $32 million guaranteed to serve as a bookend opposite Montez Sweat . While he had the traits that Dennis Allen was looking for in a defensive end, Chicago took a chance on an unproven player, which failed miserably in Year 1. Odeyingbo played in just eight games, totaling 21 tackles, including two tackles for loss, one sack, four QB hits, 10 pressures before tearing his Achilles in a Week 9 win over the Cincinnati Bengals . Odeyingbo had an impressive debut in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings , logging one sack, one tackle for loss and a pass breakup. But he was a non-factor in the seven ensuing games before injury ended a disappointing first season in Chicago.

Most Important Bears of 2026: DE Dayo Odeyingbo

Importance in 2026

nThe Bears didn't make any significant moves to address the pass rush this offseason, which has drawn plenty of criticism from fans and analysts alike. Chicago is banking on their returning cast of injured players, including Odeyingbo, to prove their worth in 2026. But there's no player under more pressure to perform on that defensive line than the $48 million man himself in Odeyingbo, who garners a $20.5 million salary cap hit this season. Outside of his Bears debut, Odeyingbo didn't show anything significant in terms of the pass rush. If Chicago is going to make strides in that department, Odeyingbo is going to have to play a role.

Big Question: Will Odeyingbo be on the Bears beyond 2026?

Chicago took a big swing signing an unproven Odeyingbo to a massive contract last offseason, and so far he's been a complete waste of money -- whether it's production or lack of availability. Following Austin Booker 's impressive performance after returning from injury midseason, Odeyingbo isn't even a guaranteed starter. In fact, the expectation -- barring another move -- is that Sweat and Booker will bookend the defensive line. But Odeyingbo will still be a crucial piece of that defensive line, and he needs to find a way to capitalize when given the opportunities. If not, the Bears have an out in 2027, where they would save $15 million (with $4.5 million in dead money) by releasing Odeyingbo.