Nobody disputes that the Chicago Bears have a talented defense. However, the arrival of Dennis Allen as the new defensive coordinator almost guaranteed changes. His philosophies are not the same as Matt Eberflus’s. While reports indicated the secondary was largely set, expecting changes on the front seven might be wise. Sure enough, the first domino fell shortly after that came to light. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Bears won’t be tendering restricted free agent Jack Sanborn.
The former undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin had been the team’s reliable presence at Sam linebacker for the past two years. This included 100 tackles, an interception, 2.5 sacks, and five passes defended across 34 games with 13 starts. His steadiness was always welcome. Unfortunately, his athletic limitations likely made him expendable in Allen’s eyes. The new coordinator has a history of preferring linebackers with range and ability to attack the line of scrimmage. That was never Sanborn’s strength.
Dennis Allen must be trusted.
As beloved as Sanborn was by fans, the fact is he isn’t a star. Retaining because of fan adoration is not the right way to conduct business. There must be room for Dennis Allen to assemble the pieces he thinks are necessary to produce a top 10 defense. If that means changes at linebacker, so be it. One thing is certain. Sanborn’s exit raises questions about the futures of Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. While both have much better athletic profiles, that doesn’t mean they’re natural fits for what Allen wants to do. A safe assumption is they will both be retained this year as other positions are addressed.
After that, things will get interesting. Don’t be surprised if the Bears go hunting for linebacker depth in the draft. There will be quality options. Free agency may also yield some opportunities.
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Screw the sentimentality. Sanborn was extremely likable but too slow to play most downs. He also held Sewell back because they “trusted” Sanborn to be in the right place even though he was late getting there. I want an attacking defense again. Force turnovers. Hit somebody. Eberflus’ guy, Edmunds better find some rage or he will be next out the door.
Making room for Khalil Mack?
Sanborn was a underdog favorite of mine. When he made the team w/o being drafted and performed pretty good his first year it was a bright light where few were shining. But now with a new coaching staff they have their own idea of depth pieces. Sanborn will get another gig somewhere. One week my fellow fans and we will finally get to a point where meaningful additions will be added and something worth talking about happens.
I fully expect more changes besides Jack Sanborn, some seem surprised, not me.
I’d predict we could see a substantial percentage of turnover on defense, Coach Allen wants an attacking defense, Sanborn doesn’t fit that profile, it doesn’t mean he wasn’t good for us.
Sanborn out performed his undrafted status Tred. He just wasn’t tendered an offer. He was still a very good pick up by Poles. He could still resign just at a lower offer than the tender offer would cost. Or maybe Dennis Allen has designs of a better FA linebacker. None of this takes away from the fact that Sanborn came to the Bears undrafted and played well for 3 years.