The Chicago Bears are in the thick of a remarkable turnaround - a team that managed just five wins last season now finds itself with a legitimate shot at claiming the NFC North crown. That’s not just a storyline, it’s a statement. And with a win this Saturday, the Bears could be staring down their first division title since 2018.
Much of that success can be traced back to the coaching staff. Head coach Ben Johnson has brought a new energy and vision to the team, while defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has reshaped a defense that’s become one of the more opportunistic units in the league. But there’s another name that’s suddenly making waves - one that wasn’t even on the roster when the season began: linebacker D’Marco Jackson.
Jackson, 27, was a late addition after being cut following training camp, but he’s making the most of his second chance. His Week 15 performance against the Cleveland Browns was a breakout moment - the kind of game that doesn’t just earn you a starting role, but league-wide recognition.
Jackson not only helped anchor the defense, he walked away with NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Safe to say, he’s no longer flying under the radar.
From Depth Piece to Defensive Playmaker
Jackson’s journey to this point hasn’t been linear. Drafted in the fifth round by the New Orleans Saints in 2022, he didn’t see the field during his rookie year.
He got his first taste of real action in his second season, playing in all 17 games under Dennis Allen - then his head coach in New Orleans - and even scored a touchdown on a fumble return. But statistically, he remained quiet, logging just 12 tackles that year, and followed it up with 10 tackles in his third season.
No tackles for loss in his first two years. No starting reps. No spotlight.
But that changed in Chicago.
With injuries thinning out the Bears’ linebacker room, Jackson saw his opportunity - and he seized it. In Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he played a career-high 72 snaps and responded with 15 total tackles.
Since that game, he’s piled up 30 tackles and two tackles for loss. Then came his statement game against Cleveland: seven tackles, one for loss, a sack, and a pick.
That’s a stat line that jumps off the page - and onto the radar of teams across the league.
Special Teams Standout, Too
Jackson’s impact hasn’t been limited to defense. He’s been a steady contributor on special teams, too - an area often overlooked but critical to any playoff push.
He’s logged 210 special teams snaps this season, earning a solid 68.7 grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranks 10th on the team. His five special teams tackles tie him for fifth on the roster, trailing only Daniel Hardy, Jonathan Owens, Roschon Johnson, and Elijah Hicks.
That kind of versatility - a linebacker who can produce on defense and contribute on special teams - adds real value to a roster, especially one eyeing a postseason run.
Looking Ahead: Jackson’s Future in Chicago
The Bears’ linebacker depth chart is starting to stabilize. T.J.
Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds are entrenched as starters, and Edmunds could return as soon as this Saturday against the Packers. Noah Sewell is expected to remain in a reserve and special teams role.
But Jackson’s recent emergence could force the coaching staff to keep him in the rotation, particularly with Amen Ogbongbemiga nursing a hamstring injury and rookie Ruben Hyppolite struggling to find his footing.
If Jackson keeps playing like this, it’s hard to imagine the Bears not making a strong push to keep him around beyond this season. He’ll hit free agency in the spring, and while Chicago will likely want to lock him up, other teams could come calling - especially if they see what the Bears are seeing now: a late-blooming linebacker who’s just hitting his stride.
For now, though, Jackson is focused on the task at hand - helping this Bears team keep rolling toward a division title. And if his recent play is any indication, he’s going to be a big part of whatever comes next in Chicago.