The Story
The Chicago Bears aren't even in pads yet, but the NFC North landscape is shifting beneath their feet. Three stories broke in the past week that could reshape the division's power balance: Green Bay Packers star running back Josh Jacobs was arrested on five charges, including a felony strangulation count; the Bears quietly worked out veteran edge rusher AJ Epenesa; and the Arizona Cardinals have received trade inquiries for Pro Bowl defensive end Josh Sweat. Together, these developments create a moment of opportunity and uncertainty for a Bears team that has spent the offseason methodically building a contender.
The Jacobs arrest is the most immediate shock. On May 26, 2026, the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department in Wisconsin booked the 28-year-old on charges including strangulation and suffocation (a felony), battery, assault, disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property, and intimidation of a victim. The alleged incident occurred on May 23. Jacobs appeared before a judge shortly after the news broke. While the legal process is in its earliest stages, the NFL's personal conduct policy looms. A potential suspension—even a six-game ban, as seen with Ezekiel Elliott in 2017—would cripple a Packers offense that leans heavily on Jacobs as a bell-cow back. Behind him, the depth chart is thin: Chris Brooks, Marshon Lloyd, and Damien Martinez, who has bounced around practice squads. The Packers may need to make a trade or sign a free agent, which could alter their entire offensive identity.
Meanwhile, the Bears are quietly addressing their own roster holes. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the team brought in AJ Epenesa for a workout last week. Epenesa, 27, had a one-year, $5 million agreement with the Cleveland Browns in late March, but that deal fell apart after he failed a physical. The Bears are essentially conducting a second medical opinion, two months later, to see if his health has improved. Epenesa has three seasons of at least six sacks, but his pass-rush win rate has fluctuated wildly, from 13.1% to as low as 5.9% in 2023. He's a physical, run-stopping edge who can kick inside, but he's not a needle-mover. The Bears are also reportedly monitoring the Josh Sweat situation in Arizona. Sweat, who had a career-high 12 sacks in 2024, is unhappy after the Cardinals fired his head coach and former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Trade talks have begun, and the Bears could be a suitor—if the price is right.
This comes amid a broader Bears offseason that has focused on building around quarterback Caleb Williams, adding weapons like wide receiver Rome Odunze, and shoring up the offensive line. But the defensive line, particularly the pass rush, remains a question mark. The team has Montez Sweat (no relation) as a cornerstone, but opposite him, the options are unproven. Adding a veteran like Epenesa or trading for Josh Sweat would signal that the front office believes the window is open now.
Context & Background
To understand why these stories matter, you need to know the state of the NFC North. The Packers have been the division's dominant force for decades, but the Bears have closed the gap. In 2025, Chicago went 10-7 and made the playoffs, while Green Bay stumbled to 8-9. The Packers' offense, once built around Aaron Rodgers, has become a run-first unit under Matt LaFleur, with Jacobs as the engine. He rushed for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, despite battling injuries. Losing him—even for a few games—would force the Packers to rely on a passing game that has been inconsistent with Jordan Love at quarterback.
The Bears' pass-rush problem is more chronic. Last season, they ranked 22nd in sack rate, generating pressure primarily through Montez Sweat and blitzes. The team spent a second-round pick on defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. in 2023, but he has been inconsistent. General manager Ryan Poles has been reluctant to overspend on veterans, preferring to build through the draft. But the Epenesa workout suggests a shift in philosophy—or at least a recognition that the roster needs immediate help.
Epenesa's career arc is instructive. A second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2020, he showed flashes of being a disruptive force, particularly in 2022 when he posted 6.5 sacks and a 12.8% pass-rush win rate. But he has never been a full-time starter, and his production has been streaky. The Browns were willing to pay him $5 million, which suggests they saw value, but the failed physical raises red flags. The Bears are likely hoping to get him at a discount—maybe $2.5 million—and see if he can be a rotational piece.
The Josh Sweat situation is more complex. He signed a four-year, $76 million deal with Arizona in 2024, but the team fired Gannon after one season. Sweat, who turns 30 in 2027, is owed $12.6 million this year—a reasonable cap hit for a player with his production. But the Cardinals are rebuilding, and trading him would net them draft capital. The Bears would have to weigh giving up a third-round pick (or more) for a player who may not fit their long-term timeline. However, if they believe they can win now, Sweat would be the perfect complement to Montez Sweat, giving them a formidable edge duo.
Different Perspectives
From the Bears' perspective, the Jacobs arrest is a gift. The Packers are a direct rival, and any weakness in their roster is an opportunity. Bears fans are already circling the Week 5 matchup at Soldier Field and the Christmas Day game, hoping Jacobs will be suspended. The team's official stance is likely "we're focused on ourselves," but privately, they are watching closely.
Packers fans and analysts, meanwhile, are in defensive mode. Many point out that the legal process is just beginning—charges can be dropped, witnesses can recant, and the NFL may not act. They note that Jacobs has no prior legal issues and that the league often waits for the legal system to resolve before imposing discipline. The Packers have also been here before; they dealt with Aaron Rodgers' off-field controversies and still won games. Their argument: don't bury Green Bay yet.
The national media is more divided. Some outlets are framing the Jacobs arrest as another example of the NFL's domestic violence problem, calling for a swift suspension. Others are more cautious, noting that the details are sparse and that due process should play out. The ESPN and NFL Network coverage has been measured, but the narrative is shifting toward "what does this mean for the Packers' season?"
What's Not Being Said
What's not being reported is the potential ripple effect on the Bears' schedule. If Jacobs is suspended for six games, the Packers face the Bears without their best offensive weapon in both the early-season and late-season matchups. That could be the difference between a playoff berth and missing the cut. But it also means the Bears should prepare for a motivated Packers team that will want to prove they can win without him.
Another overlooked angle: the Epenesa workout might be a smokescreen. The Bears could be using it to drive down the price for a trade like Josh Sweat, signaling to the Cardinals that they have other options. Or they could be genuinely interested in Epenesa but want to see how their young players look in OTAs before committing. The key context most coverage misses is that the Bears have been patient in free agency, and this workout is part of a larger strategy to evaluate all options before training camp.
Finally, the Josh Sweat trade talks are being framed as a buyer's market, but that's not entirely accurate. The Cardinals have no urgency to trade him—he's under contract for three more years, and they can wait for a better offer. The Bears would have to overpay to get him, and that might not align with Poles' philosophy of building through the draft.
What Happens Next
Watch for developments in the Jacobs case over the next two weeks. The judge's initial ruling on bail and conditions will set the tone. If the charges hold, the NFL will begin its own investigation, and a suspension could come before training camp. The Packers will likely explore trade options for a running back, with names like Dalvin Cook or James Conner (if the Cardinals are willing) being floated.
For the Bears, the Epenesa situation is a slow burn. If he passes a physical, a signing could come within days. If not, the team will pivot to other veterans. The Josh Sweat trade is more speculative; it could heat up if the Cardinals lower their asking price, or if the Bears decide to make a win-now move. Expect more workout news as teams evaluate their rosters before training camp.
For Content Creators
This is a goldmine for NFL YouTubers, but the key is to avoid clickbait. Frame the Jacobs story with nuance: acknowledge the seriousness of the charges while explaining the legal process. Use the Bears' pass-rush search to discuss roster-building philosophy—contrast the low-risk, low-reward Epenesa with the high-risk, high-reward Sweat. Provide historical comparisons (e.g., Ezekiel Elliott's suspension) to give context. And always tie it back to the division race: how does each move affect the NFC North standings? Your audience wants analysis, not just headlines.
