The Chicago Bears have multiple key free agents on defense that they would like to re-sign next month when free agency kicks off. One of those free agents that could be up for grabs is linebacker D’Marco Jackson.
The 27-year-old Jackson was viewed as a depth pickup towards the end of the preseason, who would contribute on special teams, and has a tie to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. But the veteran linebacker showed during the 2025 season that he’s more than just a special teams contributor, as he stepped up big time in the second half as a starter.
In his first-ever career start, Jackson was a tackling machine against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He racked up 15 combined tackles, a tackle for loss, and did well in pass coverage (giving up 20 yards on four completions/four targets). The Bears’ defense did not skip a beat, and from that point on, it was quickly realized that Chicago might’ve found a diamond in the rough.
That said, it won’t be easy to retain Jackson this offseason. Other LB-needy teams around the league, like the Bears’ NFC North rival, the Detroit Lions, could take a flier on Jackson. Detroit could be in the market for a new starting LB with Alex Anzalone set to become a free agent in the coming weeks.
D’Marco Jackson Signing with Lions Would Be Bad News for Bears
The Bears would love to see Detroit lose Anzalone, but it would be hurtful to see Jackson switch sides and join the Lions. He would give Kelvin Sheppard a high upside player that wouldn’t cost them a ton. Spotrac projects Jackson’s market value as a one-year, $1.2 million deal.Â
Chicago could easily pay that price to keep Jackson, but the Lions could offer him a chance to start and pay him more, which Chicago might not be willing to do. Now, the Bears could create an opening if they were to cut Tremaine Edmunds, who is viewed as a potential cap casualty.
However, the Bears might not be interested in doing that, especially with T.J. Edwards coming off a serious injury that he suffered in the playoffs. In that case, there’s a route to keep Jackson as he could step into the starting role for the moment.
But if Chicago decides to take a linebacker early in the NFL draft, Jackson could go elsewhere, leaving the Bears’ depth in a lurch.Â
Without Jackson, all the Bears would be left with in terms of depth at LB are Noah Sewell, Ruben Hyppolite, Dominique Hampton, and Nephi Sewell. Hampton and Sewell are both future deal signings, so they’re not guaranteed to make the 53-man roster.
Meanwhile, Sewell suffered an Achilles injury in Week 17 this past season, so the Bears cannot put all their eggs into his basket for next season. And when it comes to Hyppolite, he had a disappointing rookie season in 2025.
The fourth round selection only appeared in seven games, playing mostly special teams due to injuries. The Bears hope that he’ll be better in his second year, but it's a wait-and-see game. And we also didn’t mention Amen Ogbongbemiga, who was released this past week by the Bears.
Therefore, the Bears must make sure that they circle the wagons next month and keep Jackson in the Windy City. He showed how valuable he is, and clearly has some untapped potential that no other team should be able to reap the benefits of.