The Chicago Bears haven't made any notable moves since May. They let head coach Ben Johnson use OTAs and minicamps to assess where the roster is going into the summer. GM Ryan Poles usually makes one or two moves once training camp approaches in late July. People have speculated what the Bears could go looking for. Most of the time, it will be depth options to fill out key areas that might look too thin. In that case, areas like edge rusher, safety, and running back are sure to get discussed.
Not enough have mentioned linebacker as another possibility. The Bears have two established starters on their roster: Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. They will be fine. After that, things become uncertain. Amen Ogbongbemiga, Ruben Hyppolite, Noah Sewell, and Carl Jones Jr. don't form the most proven group of options. The Bears may wish to find some extra competition and more special teams help. That is why Aaron Schatz of ESPN believes they look into former Pro Bowler Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
Linebacker depth is a bit of a problem for the Bears right now. 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 also is 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 Chicago Bears signing Reeves-Maybin makes sense.
Prior to last year, he was one of the best special teams aces in the NFL. Between 2019 and 2023, the linebacker amassed 41 tackles on punt and kickoff coverage. His ability to get downhill fast also made him a danger for blocks. On top of that, he has been a capable reserve who offers strong prowess as a blitzer in must-pass situations. He would fit right in with Dennis Allen's new scheme. Reeves-Maybin is only 30 years old. There are reasons to think he still has some gas left in the tank. He and Johnson are well-acquainted from their time in Detroit together. If the money isn't an issue, such a deal should come together quickly once camp arrives on July 22nd.
