The Bears aren't starting from scratch at linebacker. They're at least starting with something.
Chicago has agreed to re-sign linebacker D'Marco Jackson on a two-year, $7.5 million deal worth up to $10.5 million with incentives, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The deal becomes official when the new league year opens Wednesday, March 11. Jackson, 27, was a pending free agent after being claimed off waivers in August 2025 and developing into one of the Bears' most reliable defensive contributors last season.
What Jackson Did in 2025
Jackson appeared in all 16 regular-season games, made four starts, and finished with 43 tackles, a sack, an interception, and a fumble recovery. He ranked fourth among Bears linebackers in defensive snaps with 371, adding 272 more on special teamsβthe kind of snap count that reflects how much the coaching staff trusted him in both phases. He then recorded 12 tackles across Chicago's two postseason games.
Pro Football Focus graded Jackson at 83.8 overall, with an elite 90.7 in coverage and a 60.3 against the runβnumbers that tell you exactly what kind of player he is. He's a coverage linebacker who can hold his own in space and is an asset in the passing game. He's not a thumper. In a league that increasingly values the former over the latter, that profile has real value.
The Linebacker Room Picture
Jackson's return matters more given the state of the position around him. The Bears released Tremaine Edmunds earlier this week, clearing $15 million in cap space but leaving the room considerably thinner. T.J. Edwards, who would have been the clear starter entering 2026, fractured his fibula during the Wild Card win over the Packers and his availability for the start of the season is uncertain. Noah Sewell suffered an Achilles injury in Week 17 and also ended the year on injured reserve. Fourth-round rookie Ruben Hyppolite II logged just 31 snaps in seven appearances and battled both knee and shoulder issues throughout his first year.
That's the room as it stands. Jackson is currently the healthiest, most proven linebacker the Bears have under contract.
What It Means for the Offseason
Re-signing Jackson is a sensible, low-cost moveβbut it's a floor, not a ceiling. The Bears have the cap space and the urgency to do more at the position. The 2026 free agent class is well-stocked, with names like Quay Walker, Devin Lloyd, Leo Chenal, and Bobby Okereke all available. The draft class is strong at linebacker too. Poles will need to add at least one more credible starter before September.
Jackson's deal buys the Bears some flexibility. At $7.5 million over two years, it doesn't handcuff the cap, and it keeps a productive, scheme-versatile player in the building while Poles works through the bigger prioritiesβedge rusher, safety, and the offensive line additions we've covered in the offseason needs series. Linebacker will still need to be addressed. Jackson's return just means it no longer has to be addressed on Day 1.