Bears Boost Linebacker Corps, Eyeing Draft Talent

0:00It's April 1st, I'm Cory with the story. This is NFL News Today, driven by AI and built for football fans. The Chicago Bears are beefing up their linebacker crew after a rough injury season last year opened doors for some surprises. DeMarco Jackson grabbed off waivers right before kickoff, stepped up big in four starts, calling plays as the green dot guy, improving he could bang. In the middle. They hit him with a two year, seven and a half million dollar deal on day one of free agency. Meanwhile, they dropped serious cash on Devon Bush with a three year, $30 million contract starter level money that screams big roll on. Defense. They cut your main Edmunds loose to save about 15 million in cap space, shaking up the room even more. TJ Edwards' spot is getting real shaky now. Resign last off season to a two year, $10 million packed. He only played 10 games before fracturing his fibula in the wild card lost to green. Bay, he solid against the run in a locker room bet, but his speed never matched the bill,

1:04especially at age 30 coming off that leg injury. Team brass like Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson keep stressing faster defenders. And Bush plus Jackson are elite athletes who fit perfect. Cutting Edwards would hit them with a $12 million dead cap smack, but trading him could free up $6.2 million or closer to $8 with a stammer. Post June 1st tag, maybe for a late pick swap. This sets up a prime draft chance with a deep class of speedy physical backers like Harold Perkins Jr. or Josiah Trotter ready on day two. Or three, swapping Edwards for that fresh talent could lock in a quicker, more balanced defense for the long haul.