Bears rumor from ESPN names Chicago as team to watch for top Lions free agent
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Bears rumor from ESPN names Chicago as team to watch for top Lions free agent originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Bears have a need at linebacker and they reportedly could be considering a top free agent from one of their divisional foes.
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That free agent, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, is Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone, who Fowler says the Bears could sign to replace Tremaine Edmunds.
"To replace Tremaine Edmunds, Alex Anzalone is a name to watch," Fowler stated. "Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was with him in New Orleans and he's good in coverage."
Anzalone is widely expected to be playing elsewhere in 2026 after the Lions extended Derrick Barnes, and with Detroit slated to extend Jack Campbell.
Detroit chose not to extend Anzalone last year despite his desire for a new deal, so the writing was on the wall Anzalone wasn't long for Detroit dating back to last year.
Reports suggested the Bears were trying to trade Edmunds, but they apparently did not find any takers and now ESPN's Adam Schefter reports a release is imminent.
Anzalone's connection to the Bears extends beyond defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, as Anzalone was with Chicago head coach Ben Johnson in Detroit, also.
Anzalone is getting long in the tooth as he prepares to turn 32 in September, but he showed he still has gas left in the tank last season.
The veteran defender tallied 95 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one interception and nine passes defensed in 2025. Anzalone can do a little bit of everything, also, as he's an asset against the run, in coverage, and when asked to blitz.
On top of all that, Anzalone is a fantastic leader and would provide a great boost to the locker room and overall culture in Chicago.
The Lions have already parted ways with multiple fan-favorites this offseason and that hasn't been easy for fans to deal with. Seeing Anzalone depart for a division rival might be the toughest pill to swallow yet.
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