Are the Chicago Bears Eyeing a Former Saints Pro Bowl Linebacker?
With the 2026 offseason underway and free agency approaching, the Chicago Bears look to build upon their recent success. One of the major focuses will be on the defensive side of the ball, as the unit was the clear weakness of the team. This past season, they allowed the fourth-most yards per game and 10th-most points per game. There were very few positives, and right now, it is expected that no one's job is safe. One of the prime examples of this is at the linebacker position.
This position may have some of the biggest question marks for Chicago. T.J. Edwards suffered a fractured fibula against the Green Bay Packers, which could impact his effectiveness next season. He is not only at risk of missing time, but it is also not known if he will be able to perform at the same level. It is always challenging for a player to come back at 100% when dealing with serious injuries. The possibility that he will not be the same athlete is something that the Bears need to keep in mind during free agency.
The future of Tremaine Edmunds has also been a hot debate, even dating back to the regular season. There is no question about his talent, as the former first-round pick was playing well before struggling with injuries. Despite only playing in 13 games, he was still able to record four interceptions and 112 total tackles. Unfortunately, Chicago is struggling with cap space and could save roughly $15 million if it parted ways with Edmunds. With the number of holes on the roster, the team is desperate to free up money. This paves the way for him to either be cut or traded as the team looks to retool the team.
If Edmunds is truly gone, then the Bears would need to bring in a quality player to replace his talent. Luckily for them, there is one player who seems like the perfect fit: Demario Davis. The 14-year veteran spent time with the Browns and Jets before joining the Saints in 2018, where he has spent the past eight years. During his time with the Saints, he worked with Dennis Allen, who is the current Bears defensive coordinator. This would allow for familiarity with the system while still offering the two-time Pro Bowler the chance to join a contender.
The 37-year-old is coming off a strong season in which he played all 17 games. He recorded 143 total tackles, which is the most he has ever had in a single season. Throughout his career, he has played in a total of 227 games, where he has 45 sacks and 1,536 total tackles. Despite being an older option than Edmunds, he is still a perfect fit for the team. The combination of leadership and talent that Davis offers would go a long way to turning the defense around. A short-term deal could be ideal as it would also allow Chicago time to find its linebacker of the future.
If the Bears are serious about taking the next step, adding a proven veteran presence could be the kind of move that accelerates that process. A former Pro Bowl linebacker would not only elevate the defense but also raise the standard in the locker room. His experience in big moments is important for a roster that’s still learning how to close out tight games. Now the question becomes whether Chicago is willing to make that call and bring in a battle-tested leader to anchor the middle of its defense.
