The Chicago Bears will be transitioning to a 4-3 defensive base from the 3-4 they’ve had the last seven seasons, and the main position impacted by the change will be at linebacker. The previous regime’s outside linebackers — the edges — will mostly just put a hand in the dirt and play defensive end in 2022, but finding a Will, Mike, and Sam will be a priority this free agency period.
The Bears have already begun to re-work the position with the additions of street free agents Noah Dawkins and Joe Thomas, but these are depth pieces that will be battling for a reserve/special teams place.