The Chicago Bears" starting lineup appears to be nearly set as 2025 training camp approaches. Except for left tackle, the Bears" first-teamers are locked and loaded.
But that doesn't mean GM Ryan Poles shouldn't be eyeing the veteran free agent market to find depth players who could offer value in a rotational role and on special teams.
READ: Bears predicted to trade key superstar ahead of 2025 NFL season
In fact, one such player, Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, was dubbed the one move Chicago should make before the summer practices begin.
"Linebacker depth is a bit of a problem for the Bears right now," ESPN's Aaron Schatz wrote. "They don't need a starter because they have T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, but former Lions linebacker Reeves-Maybin would be a good depth addition. He is also a big help on special teams, having made the Pro Bowl for special teams just two seasons ago. The Bears" special teams were strong in 2024, but another good gunner never hurts.'
The Bears don't need a starter at linebacker right now, but it would be wise to have a quality backup if Edmunds continues his underwhelming level of play early in 2025. Edmunds hasn't lived up to his four-year, $72 million contract, and he's one of the first names mentioned as a likely salary cap casualty at the end of the year.
It's why Reeves-Maybin makes sense. The eight-year veteran has 14 starts on his resume, including a career-high 11 in 2023. He wouldn't move the needle as an impact addition, but as an insurance player with experience in the NFC North? Yep, it'd work.
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