The Chicago Bears have been making new additions but they’re also making some cuts as the team will not tender Jack Sanborn who becomes a free agent. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the team is looking to give Sanborn a lower amount of money which could signal the Bears are probably not bringing back. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie, the former Wisconsin product eventually made the 53-man roster for the 2022 campaign, recording 64 total tackles and two sacks in six starts before suffering a season-ending ankle injury. The following season, the Bears made more additions to the linebacker unit to give Sanborn a boost by signing Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards.
Sanborn made the transition as a strong-side linebacker making his mark in the 2023 season which was his best, notching 65 tackles, one interception, one sack, and seven tackles for loss. Since Dennis Allen takes over as the new defensive coordinator for the Bears, he will probably stick with Edmunds and Edwards who appear to be the starters in that unit now. Sanborn may not be the hottest free agent on the market but given his specialty and being able to make decent tackles, he should have plenty of suitors. A one-year bargain best suits him in this situation at the height of his career.
REPORT: Bears Will Not Tender 4.5-Sack Disruptor Jack Sanborn – Likely a Free Agent
Next Possible Teams
Baltimore Ravens
Even though there are offensive needs for the team, the Ravens need another linebacker to improve the pass-rushing unit. The squad had to depend on a young Trenton Simpson who’s yet to live up to expectations after losing Jadeveon Clowney to cap space. As it stands, the only reliable linebackers the team has are Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh. Sanborn isn’t going to change the pace of the defensive pass rush but considering the experience of David Ojabo and Simpson, the team could use a bargain like him in rotation to keep experimenting.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have released Joey Bosa after spending his career with them. This means the team might expect to lose linebacker Khalil Mack as well but they need an immediate replacement. Sanborn won’t make much of a difference but as a SAM linebacker, his play reflects what head coach Jim Harbaugh is looking for. No matter the outcome of the game, the coach loves playing a defensive trench matchup.
Detroit Lions
Depending on what happens to Derrick Barnes, the Detroit Lions need another linebacker either way. After losing Aidan Hutchinson last season, the Lions can’t afford to be depleted at the defensive unit. Given how tough the SAM position could be, Barnes could use a helping hand from Sanborn on special teams.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are likely prioritizing finding a way to re-sign Nick Bolton after trading Joe Thuney to Chicago. This means free agent Josh Uche will probably be in a new uniform and could trigger the Chiefs to find a temporary replacement. Uche had one of the worst performances last year and even if Sanborn doesn’t do much, he could be a consistent tackler on their pass rush.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are in trouble again since Owner Jerry Jones does not plan to be “aggressive” in free agency. However, as Eric Kendricks will become a free agent, the team should at least sign Sanborn to fill that middle linebacker department. Even with the potential of Micah Parsons, the Cowboys need all the help in their defensive unit.
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