Bears Re-Sign Linebacker D'Marco Jackson to $7.5M Deal

The 27-year-old linebacker had a breakout season with the Bears in 2025 after being claimed off waivers.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Chicago Bears have re-signed linebacker D'Marco Jackson to a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the potential to reach $10.5 million. Jackson, a 2022 fifth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints, had the best season of his NFL career with the Bears in 2025 after being claimed off waivers, recording 43 tackles, an interception, three pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and his first career sack.

Why it matters

The Bears are making moves to retain key pieces of their defense, especially with the team parting ways with veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. Keeping Jackson, who emerged as a reliable contributor in 2025, provides continuity and depth at the position.

The details

Jackson was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2022 out of Appalachian State. He spent his first three NFL seasons with the Saints, appearing in 27 games and making 26 tackles. The Saints waived him at the end of the 2025 preseason, and the Bears claimed him. Jackson then had a breakout year in Chicago, playing in all 16 games and recording 43 tackles, an interception, three pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and his first career sack.

  • Jackson was drafted by the Saints in 2022.
  • He played for the Saints from 2022 to 2024.
  • The Saints waived Jackson at the end of the 2025 preseason.
  • The Bears claimed Jackson off waivers in 2025.
  • Jackson had a career-best season with the Bears in 2025.

The players

D'Marco Jackson

A 27-year-old linebacker who was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2022 and had a breakout season with the Chicago Bears in 2025 after being claimed off waivers.

Tremaine Edmunds

A veteran linebacker who the Bears are parting ways with, allowing him to become a free agent.

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What’s next

The Bears will look to continue building their linebacker corps through free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Bears are making smart moves to retain key defensive contributors like D'Marco Jackson, who emerged as a reliable player in 2025 after being claimed off waivers. This helps provide continuity and depth at linebacker as the team parts ways with a veteran like Tremaine Edmunds.