6 Linebackers the Chicago Bears could add in 2023

Free Agent linebackers the Chicago Bears could sign in 2023

Lavonte David

One of the best linebackers in the NFL not only today but over the past five-plus years, Lavonte David would be a perfect outside linebacker to sign and play next to Jack Sanborn. Before the Tampa Bay Buccanneers converted to a 3-4 defense before the 2019 season, David filled the role of the strong side outside linebacker for seven seasons.

David will turn 33 years old before the start of next season, and while the players’ best seasons may be behind him, the linebacker would likely only cost around $10 million per season on a short-term contract. With a Bears defense that has such a lack of talent and leadership, an experienced vet at linebacker like David could be the perfect addition to not only fill a gap on the defense but mentor some of the younger playmakers on this Chicago defense.

Devin Bush

The 10th overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, Devin Bush will more than likely hit the market this offseason as an unrestricted free agent. Through 51 games in four seasons, Bush has accumulated over 280 tackles with 13 pass deflections and four sacks. Despite starting all but one game for the Steelers for four seasons, Bush has been benched the previous two weeks in favor of Robert Spillane and Myles Jack.

It seems all but inevitable that the Steelers will not attempt to resign Bush, and at only 25 years old, there is still a lot of potential and production that the former Michigan linebacker can offer in the NFL. Despite being 5’11”, Bush is a fast and aggressive linebacker with good instincts, and if paired with a larger, more traditional linebacker like Sanborn, he should be able to focus more as a coverage player.