Bears Sign LB D'Marco Jackson to Two-Year Deal

The contract is worth up to $10.5 million for the former Saints linebacker.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Chicago Bears have agreed to a two-year contract with linebacker D'Marco Jackson. Jackson, a 2022 fifth-round pick, spent his first two NFL seasons with the New Orleans Saints before joining the Bears last August. He appeared in 16 regular season games for Chicago in 2025, recording 43 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery. Jackson also had 12 tackles in the team's two playoff games.

Why it matters

The Bears are looking to bolster their linebacker corps after a disappointing 2025 season, and the addition of Jackson provides depth and potential upside at the position. As a former fifth-round pick, Jackson has shown promise and could develop into a valuable contributor for the Bears' defense.

The details

Jackson's new contract with the Bears is for two years and worth up to $10.5 million, with $7.5 million guaranteed. He joined the Bears last season after being claimed off waivers from the Saints, where he spent his first two NFL seasons. In 2025, Jackson appeared in 16 regular season games for Chicago, recording 43 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery. He also had 12 tackles in the team's two playoff games.

  • Jackson was a 2022 fifth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints.
  • Jackson spent his first two NFL seasons with the Saints before joining the Bears in 2025.
  • In 2025, Jackson appeared in 16 regular season games for the Bears and had 12 tackles in their two playoff games.

The players

D'Marco Jackson

A linebacker who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round in 2022 and spent his first two NFL seasons with the Saints before joining the Chicago Bears in 2025.

Chicago Bears

An NFL team based in Chicago, Illinois that competes in the National Football League.

New Orleans Saints

An NFL team based in New Orleans, Louisiana that competes in the National Football League.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build depth at linebacker, and D'Marco's versatility and production last season made him an attractive target for us in free agency.”

— Ryan Poles, General Manager, Chicago Bears (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

The Bears will look to integrate Jackson into their linebacker rotation and continue to build their defensive depth ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Bears' signing of D'Marco Jackson to a two-year deal shows their commitment to improving their linebacker corps and adding versatile, productive players to their roster. As a former fifth-round pick, Jackson has the potential to develop into a valuable contributor for the Bears' defense.