The Chicago Bears' defense was opportunistic more than stifling this season, but Dennis Allen's unit was good enough not to be a great detriment to winning when they weren't taking the ball away.
From the start and throughout the season, injuries created opportunities for others to play significant roles on the Bears' defense. The headliner there was probably cornerback Nahshon Wright, but he was not the only one.
In late August, as the initial 53-man roster was being maneuvered, the Bears made two waiver claims to add depth to their defense. Both of them ended up sticking around, but one stood out far more than the other.
The Bears entered the season with two experienced starting linebackers who had something to prove. It ended up being an injury-riddled season for T.J. Edwards, as he missed seven regular season games and suffered a fractured fibula in the Wild Card Round win over the Green Bay Packers.
Tremaine Edmunds had a bit of a rebound season in Allen's defensive scheme, leading the Bears in tackles while generally making more impact plays. But he missed four games himself this season, and he carries a notable cap hit for 2026, the final year of his contract
Bears' unsung defensive star made himself into a priority
Amid the injuries to Edwards and Edmunds, opportunity knocked for D'Marco Jackson. He started the four games Edmunds missed, playing every defensive snap in the first three, with 30 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and a sack over that span.
With Edwards out, Jackson also started the Bears' Divisional Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams,
There was a case for Jackson to see more defensive snaps than he did at times, but credit to him for stepping up when called upon. He was often noticeable, in a good way, as he reunited with Allen after the two had spent time together with the New Orleans Saints.
Pro Football Focus's Bradley Locker has highlighted the site's highest-graded looming free agent for each team, and Jackson was the one for the Bears.
"The Bears entered this year with a linebacker corps filled with household names, but the unsung Jackson carved out a nice role for himself. The third-year player led Chicago’s defense with a 76.4 overall PFF grade, accounting for 18 stops across a limited 370 total snaps. Additionally, Jackson’s 81.7 PFF coverage grade was the third-best at the position among qualifiers, trailing only Fred Warner and Zack Baun."
Edwards should be recovered in time for Week 1 next season. But there's a financially rooted decision coming on Edmunds, and it's possible he is cut or traded.
Read more: Ryan Poles heaps praise on Darnell Wright for growth he showed in Year 3
In any case, Jackson has come from out of nowhere to put himself on the list of players the Bears should prioritize re-signing this offseason.