Chicago Bears Free Agency Position Preview: Linebacker
By Ryan Heckman
Over the history of the Chicago Bears franchise, there are a couple of positions that qualify as legendary, with one of them being running back, of course.
The other? It’s obviously linebacker.
Brian Urlacher, Mike Singletary, Dick Butkus… all Hall of Fame players and all played in Chicago. But, over the past few years, it’s been a tough position for the Bears to lock down.
Sure, they could have held onto Roquan Smith rather than trading him. But, general manager Ryan Poles opted to start with a clean slate and go get his guys at the position. That job begins now, and in a real way. Before free agency opens up in mid-March, let’s look at the linebacker position in Chicago.
Fans will be eager to see the Chicago Bears completely change up the linebacker position during the 2023 offseason
Bears linebackers under contract for 2023:
Terrell Lewis
Jack Sanborn
DeMarquis Gates
Sterling Weatherford
Kuony Deng
Looking at the above names, you can probably guess that the linebacker position is going to look a whole lot different in 2023 than it did last season. The only player listed above who should be guaranteed a roster spot next season is second-year pro Jack Sanborn, who has more than earned his stay on this team.
Bears free agent linebackers for 2023:
Nicholas Morrow
Matthew Adams
Joe Thomas
Javin White
Nicholas Morrow, Matthew Adams and Joe Thomas were more of rentals for the Bears last season, and one would assume they will move on from all of them. None of the three were outrageously productive by any means, and as part of a defense that struggled against the run and to get to the quarterback, it’s tough to see a world where they come back.
Best free agent linebackers available in 2023:
Lavonte David
Tremaine Edmunds
T.J. Edwards
David Long
Bobby Okereke
Leighton Vander Esch
Rashaan Evans
Alex Singleton
The linebacker position is full of plenty of veteran help in free agency this year. It would be tough to see a guy like Lavonte David want to play in Chicago at his age, as he’ll likely be searching for an opportunity to win right away after his years spent with Tampa Bay.
Any of the above names would be welcomed signings in Chicago, though, as they’re all fairly established players. Tremaine Edmunds is a candidate for the franchise tag in Buffalo, otherwise he’d be a great fit here in Chicago.
The Bears are going to completely renovate this room via free agency and the draft, so expect there to be mostly new names at the linebacker position next season.