Bears Retain LB D'Marco Jackson on 2-Year Deal

The 27-year-old linebacker will remain with Chicago after one season with the team.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Chicago Bears have agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract with linebacker D'Marco Jackson, according to multiple reports. The deal can be worth up to $10.5 million with incentives and will become official when the new league year begins on Wednesday. Jackson appeared in 16 games (4 starts) for the Bears in 2025, recording 43 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery. He was originally a fifth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2023 and has 69 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries in 43 career games over 4 seasons.

Why it matters

Retaining key defensive players is crucial for the Bears as they look to build on their 2025 season and compete in the NFC North. Jackson provided depth and production at linebacker in his first year with the team, and keeping him under contract provides stability and continuity for the defense.

The details

The two-year deal is worth $7.5 million, with the potential to reach $10.5 million through incentives. Jackson joined the Bears in 2025 after spending his first two NFL seasons with the New Orleans Saints. In his first year in Chicago, he appeared in 16 games, making 4 starts, and recorded 43 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery.

  • Jackson was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 5th round in 2023.
  • He spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Saints before joining the Bears in 2025.
  • The new two-year contract with the Bears will become official on Wednesday, March 13, 2026, when the new league year begins.

The players

D'Marco Jackson

A 27-year-old linebacker who has spent the last 4 seasons in the NFL, the first 2 with the New Orleans Saints and the last 1 with the Chicago Bears.

Chicago Bears

The professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois that competes in the National Football League (NFL).

New Orleans Saints

The professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana that competes in the National Football League (NFL).

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What’s next

The new contract for D'Marco Jackson with the Chicago Bears will become official on Wednesday, March 13, 2026 when the new league year begins.

The takeaway

Retaining talented defensive players like D'Marco Jackson is crucial for the Chicago Bears as they look to build on their 2025 season and compete in the NFC North. Jackson's production and experience will provide stability and continuity for the Bears' defense going forward.