The 2026 offseason is in full swing, and it’s another important one for the Chicago Bears, who are looking to get back to the postseason in head coach Ben Johnson’s second season.
General manager Ryan Poles has some work to do to shore up key needs on the roster. After overhauling the offensive line last offseason, there is going to be an emphasis on improving the defense, a unit that is facing several decisions in free agency. But there’s some work to be done with the salary cap before the start of the new league year as Chicago is currently a projected $4.11 million over the cap. After three straight years of top-10 picks, the Bears will have to wait to pick in the latter part of the first round (No. 25) in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Here at Bears Wire, we’re going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2026 offseason. Next up is linebacker which is one of the biggest needs this offseason as the Bears are reportedly considering moving off of certain veterans.
Who’s on the roster?
The biggest question mark for the Bears linebacker crew comes with Tremaine Edmunds, who the team has reportedly allowed to test the trade market this offseason. Edmunds and Edwards have led the defense over the past two seasons, but both struggled with injuries during the 2025 season and the lack of depth behind them was a big issue. Chicago got bailed out by high-level performances from D’Marco Jackson throughout the season, but everyone else behind the two veterans left plenty to be desired.
Who’s slated to hit free agency?
More than the other two on the list, D’Marco Jackson feels like he should a big point of emphasis to bring back to this defense next season. When Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards went down with injuries this year, Jackson stepped up and had the best season of his career in a limited role. With questions about other linebackers on the roster, such as Edmunds, Jackson could play pivotal role in the 2026 season depending on who they may bring in during the offseason. Amen Ogbongbemiga has played very well on special teams and at times can be found making an impact when given an opportunity on defense, but the Bears would benefit from keeping him on the roster to bolster special teams.
Who might join the Bears?
There is going to be plenty of attention given to Chicago’s defensive line and secondary headed into the draft and free agency, which is why they’ll have to find good value on the open market with available veterans. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has proven to have a system that can plug and play the right guys, and veterans feel like the best area for them to target. Names such as Logan Wilson, Matt Milano, Kaden Elliss, and even Demario Davis, a name that has thrived recently in New Orleans, where Allen coached, would be a good fit for the Bears linebacker core.
Position need: Moderate
It all comes down to the future of Tremaine Edmunds, but regardless of such, the team will have to address their depth beyond the starters. Chicago needs to move on from allowing some of the younger names to have opportunities that they haven’t capitalized on, and the defense has done well having veteran leadership at the linebacker position. They might not be the most enticing names on paper, but if the Bears can find a gritty linebacker to replace Edmunds or support behind the starters, they’ll be in good shape.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears 2026 offseason preview: Where Chicago stands at linebacker
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
