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The Chicago Bears have been active in the offseason, making key decisions that have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. In one of the more surprising moves, the Bears have reportedly traded a draft pick to acquire Detroit Lions guard Jonah Jackson, strengthening their offensive line. Simultaneously, the team made the decision not to tender linebacker Jack Sanborn, which has raised some questions about their future plans and roster strategy.

In this post, we’ll dive into these moves, break down their implications for the Bears’ roster, and explore what they mean for the team’s long-term direction as the 2025 season approaches.

### The Trade for Jonah Jackson: Strengthening the Offensive Line

One of the most significant moves the Bears made in the offseason was trading for Jonah Jackson, the starting left guard for the Detroit Lions. Jackson, who has been a consistent presence on the Lions’ offensive line since being drafted in 2020, was a key player in Detroit’s surge toward becoming one of the league’s top offenses. Known for his ability to both block in the run game and protect the quarterback, Jackson adds a level of stability and experience to the Bears’ line that they’ve sorely needed.

#### Why Did the Bears Make This Move?

The Bears’ offensive line has been a topic of concern for years, especially given the pressure it’s put on their quarterbacks, most notably Justin Fields. Fields has been forced to play behind an offensive line that’s struggled with both pass protection and run blocking, which has stunted the growth of their offense. The trade for Jackson signals that the Bears are serious about improving their offensive line and, in turn, supporting their young quarterback.

Jackson is an excellent fit for the Bears for a few reasons:

1. **Pass Protection and Versatility**: One of the most critical aspects of any offensive line is pass protection, and Jackson has proven to be solid in this department. He is known for his ability to hold up against both interior and exterior rushers, a skill that will be invaluable to the Bears as they look to give Justin Fields more time to make plays downfield. Additionally, Jackson’s ability to play both guard positions adds a layer of versatility that the Bears value in their offensive linemen.

2. **Run Blocking**: Chicago’s offense is centered around the run game, and Jackson is a physical player who excels in this area. His ability to create space for running backs and help establish the line of scrimmage will complement Chicago’s commitment to running the football, especially with running backs like Khalil Herbert and a potential resurgence of David Montgomery (who was with the team before moving to Detroit). Jackson’s physicality will make him a perfect fit in the Bears’ scheme.

3. **Experience**: The Bears are in a pivotal year in terms of development, particularly for their young quarterback, Justin Fields. Acquiring a player like Jackson brings much-needed experience to the offensive line. Jackson has started every game for the Lions since his rookie year and has already earned a reputation as a top-tier guard. This experience will not only improve the offensive line immediately but will also serve as a stabilizing force for the Bears’ offense moving forward.

The trade likely involved a mid-round draft pick, which is a reasonable price to pay for a proven starter at a position of need. While this move might not be as flashy as acquiring a wide receiver or a quarterback, it is essential for the Bears as they look to build a competitive team around their young core.

### Deciding Not to Tender Jack Sanborn: A Tough Decision

Another surprising move from the Bears this offseason is their decision not to tender linebacker Jack Sanborn, an undrafted free agent who impressed in 2022 with strong play in the middle of the defense. Sanborn quickly became a fan favorite after making an immediate impact in his rookie season, leading the team in tackles for a stretch and showing great instincts and leadership.

However, despite his promising start, the Bears have opted not to tender Sanborn for the upcoming season, meaning that he will not receive an offer from the team and will likely become a free agent. While this decision may seem perplexing to some, it’s important to understand the context and reasoning behind it.

#### Why the Bears Decided Not to Tender Sanborn

1. **A Changing Defensive Scheme**: The Bears’ defense has undergone a significant overhaul under head coach Matt Eberflus and defensive coordinator Alan Williams. After finishing 2023 with a defense that struggled in multiple areas, the team is looking to bring in new players who fit the system they want to run moving forward. The Bears’ defensive scheme is heavily focused on speed, versatility, and discipline, particularly in the linebacker and secondary positions. While Sanborn showed promise as an instinctive and aggressive player, the coaching staff may feel that he does not align perfectly with their evolving defensive philosophy.

2. **Depth at the Position**: Linebacker is one of the positions where the Bears are deeper than many other teams. The team has several key pieces already in place, including Roquan Smith, a star linebacker who leads the defense, and emerging young talents like Tremaine Edmunds. These linebackers are expected to be central to the Bears’ defense for years to come. With these foundational players in place, the team might not feel the need to retain Sanborn at this point in his career, especially when other areas of the roster need attention.

3. **Salary Cap and Roster Flexibility**: Another factor in the Bears’ decision-making could be the salary cap and the desire to keep flexibility in their roster. As an undrafted free agent, Sanborn likely would not command a large tender, but by choosing not to offer him one, the Bears free up space to pursue other roster needs, whether through free agency or the draft. The decision to part ways with Sanborn is a business move designed to give the team more financial flexibility as they continue to build a roster capable of competing for championships in the future.

4. **Injuries and Inconsistent Play**: Despite his strong start, Sanborn’s production in 2023 was not as consistent. Injuries limited his ability to stay on the field, and when he did play, he struggled to maintain the level of play he demonstrated in 2022. This inconsistency could have played a role in the Bears’ decision to move on. With their sights set on improving their defense, the Bears may have opted to target a more established or more talented linebacker during free agency or the draft, which ultimately made retaining Sanborn a lower priority.

### What This Means for the Bears’ Roster Moving Forward

These moves signal that the Bears are serious about improving both their offense and defense in the 2025 season. Trading for Jonah Jackson strengthens the offensive line and offers more protection for quarterback Justin Fields, while also improving the run game, which remains a key part of the Bears’ identity.

The decision not to tender Jack Sanborn, though difficult for some fans to digest, may be a necessary step as the Bears continue to streamline their roster and focus on areas that align with their future plans. The move opens up roster spots and cap space, potentially setting the stage for the Bears to bring in new talent through free agency or the draft.

The Bears’ 2025 season will be one of evaluation and transition. With new faces coming in and others being let go, the team is setting itself up to make a big leap forward. As they build around Justin Fields and continue to fine-tune their roster, moves like these will be crucial in determining whether they can emerge as contenders in the NFC North and beyond.

### Conclusion

In the ever-changing world of the NFL, the Chicago Bears’ offseason moves — including trading for Jonah Jackson and deciding not to tender Jack Sanborn — demonstrate a team focused on long-term success. While Jackson adds much-needed strength to the offensive line, Sanborn’s departure signals that the Bears are committed to building a roster that fits their evolving system. Fans can expect more moves as the Bears continue to reshape their roster for the 2025 season, and these decisions will undoubtedly play a significant role in the team’s trajectory.