Releasing Tremaine Edmunds was a difficult decision for the Chicago Bears. He had a good season in 2025, notching four interceptions. Unfortunately, cap constraints forced their hand. They needed space and releasing the linebacker netted $15 million. The question now is how to replace him. It isn’t a stretch to think the Bears will go hunting for a long-term solution in the draft. However, they may not wish to throw a rookie onto the field before he’s ready. That is why they’re likely to add a veteran who can fill the void at least for this upcoming season.
Enter Alex Anzalone. The 31-year-old spent the past five seasons as a fixture on the Detroit Lions defense, showcasing good versatility as a blitzer and pass defender. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN strongly indicated he is the name to watch in Chicago.
“To replace Tremaine Edmunds, Alex Anzalone is a name to watch. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was with him in New Orleans and he’s good in coverage.”
It makes sense. Anzalone is a capable player. He’s usually good for around 90-100 tackles, two sacks, and an interception every year. Dennis Allen knows him, having helped the Saints draft him in 2017. Most importantly, he’s projected to command around $7 million in his next contract. That is plenty affordable for the Bears.
Anzalone isn’t as gifted as Tremaine Edmunds.
That is not the point, though. Signing him is not meant with that in mind. It is about adding a solid football player in the middle of the defense that isn’t too expensive, allowing Bears general manager Ryan Poles to allocate his limited funds to more pressing positions. Namely, left tackle and defensive line. Anzalone isn’t the big splash fans are hoping for, but he can be the smart pest in the middle of the defense Allen wants. It allows T.J. Edwards to shift back to his natural position at outside linebacker.
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Yes, his age will be a talking point. Turning 32 in September sends a clear message that he is a stopgap measure at best. That is fine. The Bears can revisit this issue in 2027 with significantly more cap flexibility if they don’t draft and groom an eventual replacement. Compromises must be made somewhere. Chicago can’t plug every hole on the roster with studs. That isn’t how this works. Anzalone is a smart and dependable player who can be a pest against any offense. The Bears would know from many years of dealing with him.
| Date | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | INT | Pass Defenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 3, 2021 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nov 25, 2021 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nov 13, 2022 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nov 19, 2023 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dec 10, 2023 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nov 28, 2024 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dec 22, 2024 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sep 14, 2025 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
History says day two of the draft is the spot to watch for linebackers.
Allen values the linebacker position fairly highly. During his long stint as New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator and then head coach, the team spent a 3rd round pick or higher on a linebacker four times in a seven-year stretch. Three of those four players went in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. That sends a clear signal about where the Bears are likely to focus in the upcoming 2026 draft. They have three picks in that range, and this linebacker class is said to be one of the better ones in years.
Anzalone would give the team some flexibility next month, not forcing them to be more aggressive at the position than they need to be. They can let the board sort it out. Make no mistake, though. They will be drafting a linebacker. They’re not going to put all of their eggs in the basket of an older player who has a history of missing a few games every year with injuries. Tremaine Edmunds’ true successor will be found next month. The former Lions standout is his placeholder.
