Browns sign former Bears LB Matthew Adams

Former Bears LB Matthew Adams has found a new home with the Browns.

The Cleveland Browns are signing former Chicago Bears linebacker Matt Adams, the team announced Tuesday.

Adams was brought to Chicago with a knowledge of Matt Eberflus’ defense, where he played the SAM linebacker role and served as a special teams contributor for the Bears. He had his best season since his rookie year with the Colts in 2018, but that was still in limited action.

In 10 games, with three starts, Adams totaled 26 tackles, two tackles for loss and one forced fumble on defense.

But Adams dealt with injuries that limited him to 10 games. He dealt with a hamstring injury that sidelined him in Weeks 3 and 4 before suffering a calf injury in a Week 5 loss to the Vikings that landed him on injured reserve. Adams missed five games before making his return in Week 11 against the Falcons, and he played in the final seven games.

Chicago retooled their linebacker room with the additions of Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, who will anchor the MIKE and WILL positions, in free agency. It didn’t make sense for Chicago to bring Adams back in 2023.

Adams joins running back David Montgomery (Detroit Lions), offensive tackle Riley Reiff (New England Patriots) and linebacker Nicholas Morrow (Philadelphia Eagles) as the only other former Bears players from this free agent cycle who have found a new home.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=417188053]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbve7kb6he6scwe player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Bears 2023 free agency preview: Should Chicago bring back Matt Adams?

Matt Adams served as a contributor on defense and special teams. But as the Bears overhaul the roster, will he be back?

NFL free agency will be here before we know it, and the Chicago Bears have plenty of players set to hit the market. From key starters to valuable reserves, general manager Ryan Poles will have important decisions to make about who to bring back.

Here at Bears Wire, we’re going through each individual player and breaking down their 2022 performance and whether or not they fit in the Bears’ long-term plans.

Next up is linebacker Matt Adams, who came to Chicago with an understanding of Matt Eberflus’ scheme. Adams would be an affordable option to bring back in 2023. But do the Bears want him back?

8 pending free agents the Bears should let walk in 2023

Ahead of free agency, we’re looking at some in-house free agents the Bears shouldn’t re-sign in 2023.

The offseason is in full swing, and we’re just over a month away from the start of the new league year and free agency. And the Bears have some important decisions to make when it comes to in-house free agents.

The Bears are slated to have nearly $98.6 million in salary cap space — which is the most in the league (by a wide margin) — and there are plenty of holes to fill on the roster for new general manager Ryan Poles. Perhaps a few of those roster spots will be filled by some of Chicago’s in-house free agents, including some key contributors from last season that could be back as starters or reserves.

Ahead of free agency, we’re looking at some in-house free agents the Bears should let walk in 2023.

Bears 2022 LB review: Jack Sanborn emerges as potential long-term starter

Our next Bears position review of 2022 looks at the linebackers, where undrafted rookie Jack Sanborn shined in his limited stint.

The Chicago Bears wrapped the 2022 season with a 3-14 record, which culminated in a 10-game losing streak. But there’s still reasons to be optimistic about the future, including a boatload of salary cap space, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft and the emergence of quarterback Justin Fields.

Here at Bears Wire, we’re going position by position through the 2022 Bears and grading every player. Next up is linebacker, which saw the departure of Roquan Smith at the trade deadline but the emergence of undrafted rookie Jack Sanborn.

Bears sign DL Taco Charlton to active roster, activate Matt Adams off IR

The Bears made a couple of roster moves ahead of Week 11, signing Taco Charlton and activating Matt Adams off IR.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus announced a couple of roster moves ahead of Sunday’s game against the Falcons.

Chicago has signed defensive lineman Taco Charlton off the Saints’ practice squad and activated linebacker Matt Adams off injured reserve.

Adams suffered a calf injury in a Week 5 loss to the Vikings, and he missed the required four games after landing on IR. Adams returned to practice last week, opening his 21-day window to return.

After releasing defensive end Kingsley Jonathan, the Bears signed Charlton to fill his roster spot. Eberflus is familiar with Charlton back during their time with the Cowboys.

Charlton, a former first-round pick by Dallas in the 2017 NFL draft, has had five stops in his six-year career. He played two years with the Cowboys from 2017-18 before spending time with the Dolphins (2019), Chiefs (2020) and Steelers (2021).

In 55 NFL games, Charlton 92 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 22 QB hits, three pass breakups, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbve7kb6he6scwe player_id=none image=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[listicle id=522860]

[listicle id=522824]

Bears designate LB Matt Adams for return from IR

Bears LB Matt Adams returned to practice on Wednesday, opening a 21-day window for him to return from IR.

The Chicago Bears have designated linebacker Matt Adams to return from injured reserve, the team announced.

Adams returned to practice on Wednesday, opening a 21-day window for him to return from IR.

Adams suffered a calf injury in a Week 5 loss to the Vikings, and he’s missed the required four games. He was eligible to return this week, so it’s encouraging that Chicago opened his window.

Adams appeared in three of the first four games this season, where he recorded six tackles on defense. He’s also served as a primary contributor on special teams.

The Bears signed Adams to a one-year deal this offseason, and he brings with him a wealth of knowledge of Matt Eberflus’ defense. Adams spent his first four seasons with the Colts before following Eberflus to Chicago.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbve7kb6he6scwe player_id=none image=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[listicle id=522121]

Updated look at Bears’ linebacker depth after Roquan Smith trade

Following the Roquan Smith trade, here’s a look at where the Bears’ linebacker depth stands.

The Chicago Bears are trading star linebacker Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens for 2023 second- and fifth-round picks, along with linebacker A.J. Klein.

The linebacker group was already a big question mark this season — and that was before Smith was dealt to the Ravens. There are a number of unproven commodities at linebacker, but there should be options for some younger players, like Jack Sanborn, to get additional reps.

Following Smith’s departure, here’s a look at the Bears’ linebacker depth, which now features four linebackers on the active roster:

Bears place LB Matt Adams on injured reserve

Bears LB Matt Adams has landed on injured reserve with a calf injury.

The Chicago Bears have placed linebacker Matt Adams on injured reserve, the team announced Tuesday.

Adams returned to the starting lineup last Sunday after a hamstring injury kept him out for two games. Unfortunately, he suffered a calf injury in Sunday’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings, which was serious enough to warrant placing him on IR.

With Adams landing on IR, he’ll have to miss at least the next four games. He’s eligible to return as early as Week 10 against the Detroit Lions.

Adams has only played three games this season, but he’s been one of the more reliable linebackers for Chicago. He’s the Bears’ second highest-graded linebacker by Pro Football Focus with a 68.4.

The first? Joe Thomas, who will once again occupy the strong side linebacker role in his absence.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbve7kb6he6scwe player_id=none image=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[listicle id=519143]

3 causes for concern as Bears face the 49ers in Week 1

As the Bears prepare for the 49ers, there is plenty to be concerned about heading into Sunday’s game.

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of the 2022 season, where they’re taking on the San Francisco 49ers at home in what appears to be the waning years of Soldier Field.

There are already concerns facing the roster, particularly given the new offensive and defensive schemes and the lack of depth or big-name players at any position.

As the Bears prepare for the 49ers, there is plenty to be concerned about heading into Sunday’s game.

Bears injury updates following preseason win vs. Seahawks

The Bears avoided injuries to their starters, but there were some injury updates following Thursday’s preseason win vs. Seahawks.

The Chicago Bears defeated the Seattle Seahawks 27-11 in their second preseason game. But they didn’t escape without some injuries.

While Chicago avoided injuries to their starters, there were some notable players who were banged up on Thursday night. Rookie running back Trestan Ebner, who had 9 carries for 29 yards, suffered an ankle injury in the first half that sidelined him for the remainder of the game.

Linebacker Matt Adams, who’s competing for the starting SAM linebacker job, suffered a shoulder injury that also kept him out of the game. Linebacker Caleb Johnson (knee) was also sidelined.

There were also some apparent injuries near the end of the game as rookie cornerback Jaylon Jones and defensive end Charles Snowden went out with apparent injuries. But there weren’t any updates provided.

One injury that didn’t happen in the game but bears monitoring is fullback Khari Blasingame, who was spotted in a cast on the sideline.

While players who returned to practice made their preseason debuts, including tight end Cole Kmet, there were others who were held out Thursday. That includes running back David Montgomery, cornerback Kindle Vildor, defensive tackle Justin Jones and defensive lineman Mario Edwards. Rookie safety Jaquan Brisker was also held out with an undisclosed injury.

The Bears return to the practice field Saturday for their final open practice of training camp.

[sendtonews_embed video_id=”FPyGKoHDTM-2185440-7498″]

[listicle id=513979]

[listicle id=513992]