With the first month of NFL free agency clearly in the rearview mirror, the Chicago Bears are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hope to address several points, including the linebacker spot.
The Bears’ linebacker unit has undergone some changes as they parted ways with Tremaine Edmunds, re-signed D’Marco Jackson, and signed Devin Bush in free agency. Bush will likely be starting next to T.J. Edwards, who sustained a fractured fibula last season.
That leaves Jackson, Noah Sewell, Ruben Hyppolite II, and Jack Sanborn as the next in line to start in case of injury. However, Jackson likely has the upper hand over Sewell, based on his production last year. That also won’t stop Chicago from adding another guy in the draft, which would not be good for Sewell.
Noah Sewell Is Likely on Thin Ice After First Month of Free Agency
Sewell, just like Edwards, is coming off a torn Achilles that he sustained during the final month of the regular season.
The 23-year-old linebacker struggled a ton with injuries last season, only playing in 13 games and making nine starts. In addition to the Achilles, Sewell missed time due to an elbow issue and a concussion. When he was healthy on the field, the third-year linebacker left much to be desired.
According to Pro Football Focus, Sewell had a 70.5 run defense grade, but struggled a ton in pass coverage with a 29.3 grade. The coverage grade isn’t a shock, as Sewell gave up 9.4 yards per completion, a 127.9 passer rating, and three receiving touchdowns.
Injuries were part of Sewell’s story in 2024 too, as he was limited to nine games, thanks to a knee injury.
No matter where a player is in his career, their best ability is availability, and sadly, Sewell is not doing well in that department. Therefore, no one can blame Chicago for doing what was best for them.
Instead of possibly promoting Sewell, who is going into his fourth year, the Bears signed Bush and brought back Jackson, who looked like a quality starter when he played.
Sewell is entering the last of his rookie deal, and it's not certain that Chicago will bring him back. Remember, the Bears have Hyppolite, who they drafted last year in the fourth round, and he needs to show something in Year 2.
And then there’s the idea of bringing in a rookie. If the Bears draft a linebacker within the first three rounds, it could spell danger for Sewell’s future.
Nonetheless, Sewell can change the narrative about himself if he stays healthy and produces on the field. If that happens, then he could be back for another season, but the Bears are not putting all their eggs into his basket.