Bears Likely to Move on from Jack Sanborn After Free Agency Decision
The Chicago Bears appear unlikely to retain starting strongside linebacker Jack Sanborn for the 2025 season after opting not to tender him as a restricted free agent.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bears have decided against extending an RFA tender to Sanborn, effectively making him an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins next Tuesday.
“The #Bears are not tendering RFA linebacker Jack Sanborn, per source,” Fowler reported on X. “Their starting Sam linebacker the past two seasons also has six starts as a middle linebacker, during which he recorded 71 tackles (six for loss) and three QB hurries.”
Sanborn, who joined the Bears as an undrafted rookie in 2022, has accumulated 164 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks over three seasons. His breakout year came when he stepped into the middle linebacker role after Chicago traded Roquan Smith to Baltimore.
Had the Bears tendered Sanborn, they would have owed him more in 2025 than he earned across his first three seasons combined. The right-of-first-refusal tender would have cost $3.263 million against the salary cap—significantly more than the $2.5 million he has made since entering the league. With a new coaching staff led by defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, the Bears may be looking to reshape their linebacker corps.
Could Sanborn Still Return to Chicago?
While the Bears’ decision suggests they are prepared to move on, it does not entirely rule out a return. They could negotiate a new contract with Sanborn at a lower cost than the RFA tender. However, with nearly $80 million in cap space, Chicago has the financial flexibility to keep him if they wanted—raising questions about whether Allen has different plans for the defense.
Sanborn, meanwhile, appeared to acknowledge his departure, posting a farewell message to fans on X:
“Bears fans, thank you for supporting me over the years. I am grateful that I was a part of such a wonderful organization with the best fans in the world! In my heart, I will always be a Bear.”
Other Free Agency Decisions Loom for the Bears
Sanborn is just one of several Bears players awaiting clarity on their future. The team has two other restricted free agents, cornerback Josh Blackwell and defensive tackle Chris Williams. Williams, acquired from Cleveland in a preseason trade, contributed three sacks and 23 tackles, while Blackwell has been a key special teams player and backup slot corner. Like Sanborn, the Bears could negotiate new deals with them at a lower cost than the RFA tender.
Chicago also has high-profile unrestricted free agents, including wide receiver Keenan Allen and left guard Teven Jenkins. If the team does not extend their contracts, they will be free to negotiate with other teams when the legal tampering period begins on March 10.
Other pending free agents include edge rusher Darrell Taylor, right guard Matt Pryor, wide receiver DeAndre Carter, and center Coleman Shelton, making this a pivotal offseason for the Bears as they reshape their roster for 2025.
