The Chicago Bears released linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to help save them $15 million against the cap.
That led the team to focus on adding depth at linebacker with T.J. Edwards. Chicago started that with re-signing D'Marco Jackson to a two-year deal, but that wouldn't be the end for the Bears at linebacker.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Bears signed former Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush to a three-year, $30 million contract, with $21 million guaranteed. Bush posted a career-high 125 tackles with the Browns last season in his second and last year there.
Bears sign linebacker Devin Bush in free agency
A great signing for the Bears as they continue to add depth to the linebacker position as now it is clear that Bush should go in as a favorite to start for the Bears alongside Edwards. Jackson and 2025 fourth-round pick Ruben Hyppolite II should find themselves in the rotation at linebacker for the Bears.
The Bears' defense is taking the proper steps in the right direction at linebacker to get the unit where they need to be for 2026. This was a Bears team that was ranked 27th against the run last season with 134.5 yards per game.
For the linebacker position, the Bears should be done making moves there unless they use the draft to add depth. The next position they need to focus on is the defensive line. They got a tackle already in Neville Gallimore, so they just need to find an edge rusher who can compete for a starting job.
The Bears could potentially also add another cornerback with guys like C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Nahshon Wright free agents and most likely not going to be back. At safety, they added Coby Bryant and just need to get a deal done with Kevin Byard to be solid there.
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Chicago is looking a lot better on defense and now have the talent to almost match the stellar offense in place.