Chicago Bears training camp is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest this month.
Rookies and quarterbacks are set to report to Halas Hall on July 25 with veterans following on July 28. But before that, we’re unveiling our Bears 2026 training camp position previews, where we’re breaking down every player by position and examining the biggest question facing the group.
One position that has a good balance of veterans and youth is the linebacker position, where free agent splash signing Devin Bush has a chance to shine, and a familiar name is back in Chicago. Let’s take a look at the Bears’ linebackers heading into training camp:
T.J. Edwards
The most consistent source of production across the Bears defense, when healthy, T.J. Edwards was hampered by injuries last season but has a chance to once again be a leader for the defense. A player who cracked ESPN’s list for top linebackers entering this season, Edwards should easily showcase himself as long as he can have a clean bill of health this year.
Devin Bush
Outside of safety Coby Bryant, Devin Bush was one of the biggest free agent signings the Bears made this season after two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Bush is coming off the best year of his career in 2025, where he totaled 125 tackles, three interceptions, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two touchdowns. The veteran former first-round pick brings speed and playmaking ability needed in Dennis Allen’s defense.
D’Marco Jackson
Despite the fact that he came in unknown and underrated as part of the Bears defense last season, D’Marco Jackson graded out as one of the best linebackers across the NFL on the PFF scale. Jackson was anywhere and everywhere for the defense as they struggled to stay healthy and he capitalized on every moment of the opportunities put in front of him. The veteran will look to use his familiarity and experience with Dennis Allen to continue to showcase his talent in this defense.
Jack Sanborn
A familiar name back in Chicago after a one-year stint with the Dallas Cowboys, Jack Sanborn has returned to the Bears with a much different coaching staff in place. Sanborn will have an understanding of the franchise, as well as his veteran experience on the field will offer up depth insurance for the linebacker core.
Noah Sewell
Noah Sewell has not yet made the significant impact that he was expected to when given the opportunity, but he has certainly been a special teams contributor which is where he’ll likely continue to thrive.
Ruben Hyppolite II
A fourth-round selection in last year’s draft, Ruben Hyppolite II had minimum impact on defense last year, and will need a spot to open up before he can take advantage of the opportunity.
Keyshaun Elliott
Keyshaun Elliott is going to be the most intriguing player at the linebacker position because, as a fifth-round pick, he’d likely have to make an impact on special teams before getting a chance to play on defense. However, throughout his collegiate tenure at Arizona State, Elliott did not play special teams, so he may be able to turn some heads in training camp and the preseason to create his own opportunity.
Nephi Sewell
The brother of Noah and Penei, Nephi Sewell was signed by Chicago this offseason to bring in more depth at the position and another player who has experience with Dennis Allen in New Orleans. He spent the 2025 season on the Saints practice squad and is likely a candidate for Chicago’s practice squad this year.
Tony Fields II
A former fifth-round pick in 2021, Tony Fields II has spent time with both the NFL and the UFL, where he most recently played for the Columbus Aviators. Fields spent his time in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams, and is likely a practice squad candidate this year.
Wayne Matthews III
An undrafted free agent out of Michigan State, Wayne Matthews is more than likely going to be a practice squad candidate for the Bears and a training camp body this summer.
Jon Rhattigan
A local native from Naperville, Illinois, Jon Rhattigan has been in the NFL since 2021 as an undrafted free agent out of Army. Since entering the league, Rhattigan has played with the Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders, before signing with Chicago this offseason. He’ll bring experience and depth to the position group.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears 2026 training camp preview: Revamped linebacker group
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
