Dmarco Jackson re-signing marks an early inflection point for the Bears as the tampering window nears
dmarco jackson is returning to Chicago on a new deal as the Bears move quickly at the start of the week, making a notable decision only hours before the NFL’s tampering period begins.
What happens when Dmarco Jackson returns on a new two-year contract?
The Bears have re-signed linebacker D’Marco Jackson on a two-year, $7. 5 million contract worth up to $10. 5 million. The timing stands out: Chicago acted before the league’s tampering window, signaling an early priority on continuity at a position that became increasingly important late last season.
The move also reflects Jackson’s path to Chicago. The New Orleans Saints selected him in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he initially signed a four-year, $3. 9 million contract. After the Saints released him last training camp, the Bears claimed him off waivers, giving him a fresh opportunity that turned into his most productive NFL season.
What if linebacker depth becomes the defining roster need after Tremaine Edmunds’ release?
The Bears’ decision to retain dmarco jackson comes amid a clear roster reality: Chicago needs more depth at linebacker after Tremaine Edmunds was released. Jackson’s role expanded late in the season as injuries affected Edmunds and T. J. Edwards, and the Bears leaned on Jackson in meaningful defensive snaps.
That increased responsibility was backed by production. Last season marked the best stretch of Jackson’s career: 43 tackles, three pass deflections, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, one sack, and one interception in 16 games with four starts. He also earned NFC Week 15 Defensive Player of the Week honors in a win against the Cleveland Browns, a game in which he recorded seven tackles, one interception, and one sack.
The Bears also value Jackson’s broader utility. He has been described as a threat on defense while also playing a significant role on special teams, a combination that can stabilize weekly game plans when injuries force changes in the defensive rotation.
What happens when familiarity with Dennis Allen shapes the linebacker competition?
Another driver behind the re-signing is continuity between player and coach. Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has a long-running connection with Jackson, having been his head coach with the Saints before bringing him to Chicago. That familiarity matters in a league where mastering responsibilities, communication, and situational assignments can determine who earns snaps.
Looking ahead, the re-signing does not close the door on competition. With Edmunds gone, expectations are that Jackson will compete for a starting spot on the defense in 2026. At the same time, there is external discussion of possible additions at the position: NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler said the Bears could target Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, a potential move that would add another layer of competition alongside Jackson and Edwards.
For now, the Bears’ early action sets a clear tone: retain a player who delivered his best season after arriving waivers, reinforce depth at a critical spot, and keep options open for additional moves as the league’s tampering period approaches.
