The Chicago Bears are in the middle of another important offseason, where they're looking to shore up the roster and remain contenders in Ben Johnson's second season as head coach as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches.The Bears didn't make any big splashes in free agency, where their biggest move was signing Super Bowl champion Coby Bryant to fill one of two starting safety vacancies left by the departing Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Chicago also added linebacker Devin Bush, defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and wide receiver Kalif Raymond. But the Bears also suffered some big losses, including wide receiver DJ Moore, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, Byard and Brisker, as well as center Drew Dalman, who shockingly retired.Chicago has seven draft picks that includes four selections in the top 89, including a pair of second rounders, where they can address some of their biggest needs, including defensive line, safety and offensive tackle.

Here at Bears Wire, we're going position by position to break down where Chicago stands entering the 2026 NFL Draft. Next up is linebacker, a position that saw a well-respected veteran depart while another veteran returned back to Chicago and one man was signed after a career year.Who's on the roster?Devin BushT.J. EdwardsDominique HamptonRuben Hyppolite IID'Marco JacksonJack SanbornNephi SewellNoah SewellDevin Bush was one of the biggest free agency signings by the franchise this offseason, while T.J.

Edwards is one of the unquestioned leaders of the entire defense. Bush will come into Chicago coming off one of the best years of his career, and assume a role next to Edwards as the leaders of the linebacker core who can both put up at least 100 tackles and have ballhawk instincts.Veteran Jack Sanborn returned to Chicago this offseason, after one year with the Dallas Cowboys, and brings familiarity and depth to the position. Sanborn will help keep the entire frontline of the linebackers as respected and recognized veterans, although he'll have to learn Dennis Allen's system.

The team also brought back D'Marco Jackson, who played well when called upon in wake of injuries to both Edwards and the recently departed Tremaine Edmunds.Who departed this offseason?Tremaine EdmundsAmen OgbongbemigaChicago's focus this offseason has been to find versatile playmakers with speed that can close the gap, and limit big play opportunities by their opponents. They had to get faster on defense and did just that by releasing Tremaine Edmunds and signing Devin Bush, the most crucial move at linebacker. Amen Ogbongbemiga leaves Chicago after becoming a standout contributor on special teams, but he wasn't able to make the most out of a long-term opportunity in the lineup when injuries gave him a chance.Edmunds signed with the New York Giants this offseason, giving them a replacement for Bobby Okereke under new head coach John Harbaugh.

Currently, Ogbongbemiga has not signed with a team this offseason, but when training camp gets closer, he could provide good depth and special teams ability for any team looking to add.Positional need: ModerateThe big piece for the Bears depth at linebacker will be the health and play of Sanborn, who struggled with a concussion and groin issues most of last season. Chicago did spend a fourth-round pick on Ruben Hyppolite II last year, but he has yet to make a significant impact for the team. If they want to pursue a linebacker, the likely targeted window would be in the third or fourth round if looking for another value pick, or they could wait until Round 7 and add a depth piece.

Top draft prospectsArvell ReeseSonny StylesAnthony Hill Jr. CJ AllenJacob RodriguezJake GoldayJosiah TrotterKyle LouisHarold Perkins JrThe Bears' best window of opportunity from this list likely starts with Jacob Rodriguez and ends with Harold Perkins Jr., unless they wait until the very end. During his time at Texas Tech last season, Rodriguez was a big time playmaker who totaled 128 tackles, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions, and one sack while becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist. The Bears could target Rodriguez in the third round if the board falls their way, and he'd be a very interesting fit for Dennis Allen's scheme at the position, with plenty of veterans in front of him to mentor his play at the NFL level.Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and InstagramThis article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at linebacker