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

Chicago brings back key special teams contributor after releasing Tremaine Edmunds

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Chicago Bears have agreed to re-sign linebacker D'Marco Jackson to a 2-year, $7.5 million contract with a max value of $10.5 million. Jackson was claimed off waivers by the Bears last August and became a valuable contributor on defense and special teams, recording a career-high 43 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 interception, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in 2023.

Why it matters

The Bears are looking to shore up their linebacking corps after releasing Tremaine Edmunds, and retaining Jackson provides continuity and depth at the position. Jackson emerged as a key special teams player and spot starter for the Bears, who are coming off an 11-6 season and NFC North division title.

The details

Jackson is coming off his first season with the Bears after spending the previous three years with the New Orleans Saints. A fifth-round draft pick in 2022, Jackson played just 73 combined snaps on defense in 2023 and 2024 with the Saints before being claimed off waivers by Chicago in August. He then appeared in all but one game for the Bears, playing 261 snaps on defense and 272 snaps on special teams.

  • Jackson agreed to the 2-year deal on March 9, 2026.
  • The Bears released Tremaine Edmunds last week to free up $15 million in cap space ahead of free agency.

The players

D'Marco Jackson

A linebacker who was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears in 2023 and became a valuable contributor on defense and special teams.

Tremaine Edmunds

A linebacker who was released by the Chicago Bears last week to free up $15 million in cap space.

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What they’re saying

“#Bears LB D'Marco Jackson has agreed to terms to go back to Chicago on a 2-year, $7.5M deal with a max value $10.5M, source said.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The Bears are rumored to be eyeing the Detroit Lions' Alex Anzalone to further shore up their linebacking corps ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Retaining D'Marco Jackson on a 2-year deal provides the Bears with continuity and depth at linebacker after the release of Tremaine Edmunds. Jackson emerged as a key special teams contributor and spot starter in 2023, and his re-signing is an important move for a Bears team looking to build on their 11-6 season and NFC North division title.