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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 14: Head coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears and Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions shake hands following the game at Ford Field on September 14, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears may be turning to a familiar NFC North opponent as they search for help at linebacker following a few major roster moves earlier this week.

Shortly after Chicago released veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, speculation began to build around possible replacements in free agency. One name that quickly surfaced was Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone. Bears insider Ben Devine pointed to the veteran as a logical option for Chicago as the team reshapes its defense.

“A linebacker that makes sense for the Bears in free agency is Lions LB Alex Anzalone,” Devine wrote on social media. “He is 31 and Dennis Allen had him in New Orleans.”

A linebacker that makes sense for the Bears in free agency is Lions LB Alex Anzalone. He is 31 and Dennis Allen had him in New Orleans. #NFLFreeAgency

The idea gained additional traction after ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also suggested Anzalone could indeed be on Chicago’s radar once free agency opens.

Alex Anzalone Emerges as Possible Bears Target

Anzalone has quietly become one of the most consistent defensive leaders for the Lions over the past several seasons. Since arriving in Detroit in 2021, the veteran linebacker has played a major role in the middle of the Lions defense.

He also served as a team captain during his time in Detroit.

His experience and leadership could make him an appealing option for the Bears as they look to fill the void left by Edmunds. The veteran also brings familiarity with Chicago’s current defensive leadership.

According to Fowler, Anzalone is a player to watch for the Bears as free agency approaches. Fowler reported that the veteran linebacker “is a name to watch for the Bears in free agency,” noting that he previously played under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen during their time together with the New Orleans Saints.

That connection could carry real significance as Chicago evaluates potential additions for its defense.

Bears Suddenly Have Linebacker Need

Chicago’s interest in linebacker help became clear after the team made the decision to release Edmunds. This move created significant salary cap space and could position the Bears for a potential blockbuster trade or major free agent addition.

However, it also opened a major hole in the defense.

Edmunds had been a full-time starter and one of the central pieces of Chicago’s defensive structure since signing with the team. Moving on from the veteran signals that the Bears are willing to reshape the position as the new league year approaches.

That shift has naturally sparked speculation about who could step into a leadership role in the middle of the defense.

If the Bears ultimately pursue Anzalone, the move would represent an intriguing NFC North twist. The veteran has spent the past several seasons anchoring Detroit’s defense and would bring valuable experience from a division rival that Chicago faces twice every year.

With free agency approaching and the Bears actively reworking their roster, Anzalone is now firmly emerging as one of the more interesting names to watch in the coming days.

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