Outside Linebacker
- Starters: Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn
- Back-ups: Barkevious Mingo, Trevis Gipson
- Reserves: Isaiah Irving, James Vaughters, Ledarius Mack
The Bears upgraded their pass rush this offseason with the addition of former All-Pro Robert Quinn, who had 11.5 sacks with the Cowboys last season. He’ll partner with one of the best in Khalil Mack, and the pair figures to be a force getting after the quarterback — something former Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd struggled with. Chicago also brought in some key reserves with the additions of Barkevious Mingo and fifth-round pick Trevis Gipson. They also brought in Khalil’s younger brother Ledarius Mack, who will try to earn a roster spot.
Inside Linebacker
- Starters: Danny Trevathan, Roquan Smith
- Back-up: Joel Iyiegbuniwe
- Reserves: Josh Woods, Rashad Smith, Keandre Jones
The Bears return both starting inside linebackers in Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith, which will be significant for this defense. The concern isn’t the starters, it’s the reserves. Chicago lost Nick Kwiatkoski and Kevin Pierre-Louis in free agency, both of which played key roles when Trevathan and Smith went down with injuries. As far as depth goes, the Bears return Joel Iyiegbuniwe and Josh Woods, as well as added undrafted free agents Rashad Smith and Keandre Jones.