Bears must hope one nightmare position improves before addressing it in NFL Draft

If there is one position on the Chicago Bears that must improve before a dramatic overhaul is done to it, it would be at linebacker.

Last year, the Bears had Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards as part of their linebackers room, but the two struggled to perform. This led to a mixed performance from the defense, and the team failed to make the postseason.

Entering 2025, Edmunds and Edwards have a lot of eyes on them with new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who is trying to figure out whether the two of them are a part of their plans. If they don't play well, Bears general manager Ryan Poles might be active during the 2026 NFL Draft.

PFF has Bears needing to consider linebacker during the 2026 NFL Draft

PFF writer Trevor Sikkema shared a position to consider during the 2026 NFL Draft for each NFL team. For Chicago, it could be a linebacker unless Edmunds and Edwards step up in 2025 and perform well.

"Tremaine Edmunds earned just a 59.2 PFF overall defensive grade in 2024, marking his second straight season of a sub-60.0 figure. The Bears have an out in his contract this offseason. T.J. Edwards also struggled, allowing the most yards in coverage among all linebackers.

It’s a totally new coaching staff in Chicago, and if Edmunds and Edwards don’t fit what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen wants to do, one or both could be elsewhere next season. The 2026 NFL Draft will have plenty of linebacker talent if they choose to do so."

Edwards was second on the team in tackles with 129, while Edmunds was right behind him at third with 110. Each team had two forced fumbles and an interception on the season.

The stats are solid, but their play showed that they struggled to play consistently. It didn't help that the pass rusher wasn't the strongest, and more was put on them to make the tackles

The two veteran linebackers have had nice runs in the NFL, but another down season for the two, and they could be released or relegated to backups.