The Chicago Bears are prepared to be aggressive during the legal tampering period of the 2026 NFL offseason. They have some holes that they need to fill and some cap space to play around with. While the legal tampering period begins tomorrow, there is one free agent who they have been reportedly linked with. Let’s take a closer look at who it is and why he’s someone Bears fans are familiar with.
The Chicago Bears could target Alex Anzalone in free agency
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone celebrates a tackle against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote an article discussing what he has heard heading into the legal tampering period portion of free agency. He would discuss what the Bears could be doing on the defensive side of the ball. Below is what he wrote:
“The Chicago Bears freed up around $17 million in cap space with the D.J. Moore trade, which they will need in free agency to aid the defense. Yes, they could use pass-rush help. But I don’t sense Chicago is desperate for a splashy pass rusher. Much will depend on price. Interior rush help could be the way to go. 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. At safety, my sense is the Bears will attempt to re-sign Kevin Byard III over the weekend but will let Jaquan Brisker walk.”
The third-round pick in the 2017 draft has been with the Detroit Lions for the previous five seasons, meaning he is comfortable in the NFC North. Anzalone played in 16 games last season and recorded 95 total tackles (52 solo, 43 assisted) with four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, six quarterback hits, nine pass deflections, and an interception.
With the Bears linked to an outside linebacker, it will be intriguing to see if this is the big splash they want to make or if there are other names that will be joining Chicago for the 2026 season. Fowler did not mention a projected contract, so that will also be a major factor in whether this will actually happen.
Chicago Bears agree to deal with DE before free agency
Read More
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE