Unexpected position dubbed Chicago Bears’ biggest offseason roster decision

As the Chicago Bears head into the 2025 NFL offseason, a number of crucial decisions will need to be made in order to propel the franchise toward a more competitive future. While quarterback and wide receiver have traditionally been the focal points of team-building discussions in Chicago, an unexpected position has now become the center of attention for the Bears’ biggest offseason roster decision: the linebacker position.

For most of the last decade, Chicago’s linebacker corps, especially the middle linebacker spot, has been a strength of the team. Names like Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan dominated the field, bringing stability and intensity to the defense. However, with the NFL continuing to evolve, especially on offense, the Bears find themselves at a crossroads, trying to balance traditional strength with modern versatility and speed. This is where the linebacker position, unexpectedly, becomes a critical point of discussion.

A Changing Defensive Landscape

When the Bears’ defense was at its peak, especially under head coach Matt Nagy and defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano in the late 2010s, the team was known for its ferocious, linebacker-led defense. Players like Roquan Smith and Akiem Hicks were household names in Chicago, and the defense was often the bright spot in an offense-heavy league.

However, as offenses in the NFL have become increasingly dynamic, with faster and more agile quarterbacks and weapons spread across the field, the Bears’ once-dominant defense has had to adapt. The league-wide shift toward pass-heavy offenses and positionless players who can line up anywhere on the field has put additional pressure on linebackers. Their role has expanded from primarily focusing on stopping the run to also needing to cover wide receivers, tight ends, and even running backs in pass coverage.

This evolution in offensive schemes has led to a re-evaluation of what makes a linebacker effective in today’s NFL. Sideline-to-sideline speed, coverage ability, and adaptability are now just as important, if not more so, than tackling ability and leadership. As such, the Bears must consider whether their current linebacker corps is up to the task or if changes need to be made this offseason.

The 2025 Linebacker Corps: Strengths and Weaknesses

Heading into the 2025 season, the Bears’ linebacker group is filled with a mix of promising young talent, veterans, and unproven players. Let’s break down the current landscape of the Bears’ linebacker room:

Tremaine Edmunds: A New Face in the Middle

One of the most notable additions to the Chicago Bears linebacker group last year was Tremaine Edmunds, a former first-round pick and standout linebacker from the Buffalo Bills. Edmunds was brought in to be the centerpiece of the Bears’ defense, filling a significant void in the middle of the field.

At 6’5” and 250 pounds, Edmunds is a physical specimen who offers tremendous range, tackling ability, and leadership. The former Bills’ captain brings an elite blend of size and speed that allows him to cover ground quickly and make plays in both the run and pass game. His ability to cover tight ends and running backs out of the backfield is an essential aspect of the Bears’ defense in today’s NFL, where mismatches in the passing game are more frequent.

However, while Edmunds has flashed brilliance at times, there are areas where his play can still improve. His consistency in coverage and ability to avoid being caught out of position on passing downs will be key for him to take the next step as the centerpiece of the Bears’ defense.

Jack Sanborn: A Surprising Young Contributor

The emergence of Jack Sanborn, an undrafted free agent from Wisconsin, was one of the feel-good stories of the 2024 season. Sanborn played admirably in a starting role after injuries to other linebackers, showcasing his ability to be an instinctive tackler and a solid presence in the middle. While his pass coverage ability has room for improvement, Sanborn’s relentless motor and hard-hitting style make him a valuable contributor to the Bears’ linebacker unit.

Sanborn’s development has been a silver lining in an otherwise inconsistent linebacker room, but his long-term role on the team remains uncertain. His ability to continue improving in coverage and maintain his physicality against elite NFL offenses will determine if he can keep a starting job next season.

Veterans and Depth Players: Needs and Concerns

Alongside Edmunds and Sanborn, the Bears still have a number of depth players, some of whom have been with the team for several seasons. Players like Nicholas Morrow and Matthew Adams have experience, but they have also shown their limitations when it comes to playing in a fast, pass-heavy league.

The biggest issue with this group is that, outside of Edmunds, none of these players have shown the ability to be dynamic, playmakers consistently. For a team looking to compete at the highest level, the Bears need linebackers who can make significant impacts in the passing game while still providing reliable run support. As it stands, the Bears’ depth at linebacker lacks the upside and flexibility needed to compete in the modern NFL.

The Key Offseason Decision: Should the Bears Keep or Revamp Their Linebacker Corps?

With the state of the linebacker group being one of uncertainty and need for improvement, the question facing the Chicago Bears’ front office is whether to stick with their current roster or make significant changes this offseason. The decision at linebacker is particularly important given the way the NFL is trending—teams are placing more emphasis on hybrid players who can do multiple things, including covering receivers, running backs, and tight ends out of the backfield.

Here are the main factors that will influence the Bears’ offseason decision-making:

1. Scheme Fit and Positionless Football

As the Bears enter a new era under head coach Matt Eberflus, one of the core philosophies of his defensive scheme is a focus on positionless football—players who can move around the field and execute a variety of assignments. This places a great emphasis on linebackers who can not only cover the middle of the field but also move effectively in coverage against the pass.

Tremaine Edmunds, as mentioned earlier, possesses the physical traits that make him an ideal fit for the Bears’ defensive scheme. However, he needs to continue refining his game in coverage to truly become the centerpiece of the defense. If he can continue to improve, he could be the long-term anchor at linebacker.

For Jack Sanborn, his ability to remain flexible in coverage and contribute in a variety of ways will dictate whether he remains in the Bears’ plans for the future. If the team feels he is limited in coverage, they may decide to look for another linebacker who can complement Edmunds better in coverage situations.

2. Free Agency and Draft Prospects

With a significant portion of their salary cap space available, the Bears have an opportunity to address weaknesses in their linebacker room through both free agency and the draft. The upcoming 2025 NFL Draft offers a deep pool of linebacker talent, and Chicago could target younger players who are versatile and dynamic. Names like Jared Verse (LB from Florida State) and Trenton Simpson (LB from Clemson) are rising stars who could fill the need for a modern linebacker.

Free agency also presents a chance to add veterans who can help both on the field and in mentoring the younger players. The Bears may look for a depth linebacker or even a starting-caliber player to provide insurance in case their current core is not up to the challenge.

3. The Long-Term Vision

As the Bears continue to build toward being a true Super Bowl contender, every decision this offseason will need to fit within a long-term vision for the team. Linebackers will need to be players who can impact the game in multiple ways—whether it’s stopping the run, creating turnovers, or covering the pass.

With a young and developing defense, the team could decide to invest heavily in making the linebacker corps a stronger, faster, and more versatile unit. This could involve making big moves in free agency or securing a standout player in the draft who can contribute immediately.