Offseason outlook: Linebacker set as a strong position for Bears

(670 The Score) In an offseason of great fascination for the Bears, there’s at least one part of their roster that's set in place.

The Bears head into 2024 with stability at linebacker, a position they addressed last offseason. Chicago will return the strong duo of Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards as well as key figures like Jack Sanborn and Noah Sewell.

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment in an offseason outlook series exploring each of the Bears’ position groups. Click here to check out the others .

Who’s under contract: Tremaine Edmunds, 25; T.J. Edwards, 27; Jack Sanborn, 23; Noah Sewell, 21; Micah Baskerville, 24
Free agent: Dylan Cole, 29

2023 review
Last March, general manager Ryan Poles didn’t necessarily plan to sign a pair of standout linebackers, but the Bears quickly found two great fits on the open market.

Edmunds hit free agency at the age of 24 following five strong seasons with the Bills. He had established himself as a productive player in the league since he was selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Edwards had emerged as a key starter over four seasons in Philadelphia after being an undrafted free agent.

The Bears signed Edmunds to a four-year, $72-million deal and Edwards on a three-year, $19.5-million contract.

Edmunds was a key leader for the Bears’ defense in 2023 while totaling 113 combined tackles and four interceptions. He played in 15 games, missing two due to a knee injury. Edwards outperformed his contract last season, posting 155 combined tackles, three interceptions and 2.5 sacks while playing in all 17 games.

In his second NFL season, Sanborn slotted over to the strong-side linebacker position. He made 10 starts and played in 39% of the Bears’ defensive snaps, racking up 65 combined tackles, one interception and one sack.

A fifth-round pick of the Bears last spring, Sewell played 13 games as a key special teams player. The veteran Dylan Cole also served as a key special teams presence. He’s the team’s lone linebacker free agent.

What comes next?
The most important factor for the Bears at the linebacker position this offseason is to continue establishing continuity.

As the Bears worked to get their defense acclimated during training camp in 2023, Edmunds missed significant practice reps with an undisclosed injury. It forced their entire defense to adjust to the absence of a key player.

This offseason will give Edmunds and Edwards the opportunity to develop even greater chemistry between themselves and with the rest of the defense. It will also be a key time for young players like Sanborn, Sewell and Baskerville as they look to continue developing in this system.

The Bears will look to sign another veteran linebacker for special teams, and Cole could be re-signed this offseason.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .