D’Marco Jackson’s Emergence Gives Bears a Valuable Depth Piece-and a Decision to Make in 2026
The Chicago Bears have had their fair share of surprises this season, and not all of them have come from their stars. Injuries have forced the team to dig deep into its roster, and in doing so, they’ve uncovered a few hidden gems.
One of the most intriguing developments? Linebacker D’Marco Jackson.
When Jackson signed with the Bears during the 2025 offseason, it was a quiet move-one that didn’t draw headlines or spark much discussion. He was brought in as a depth piece, a contingency plan. But when injuries hit the linebacker room hard, Jackson didn’t just fill in-he made his presence felt in a big way.
From Depth to Defensive Standout
Jackson’s moment arrived in Week 12, when the Bears faced the Steelers without their top three linebackers-Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, and Noah Sewell.
That’s a tall order for any defense, but Jackson stepped up and delivered. Over the next few weeks, he continued to earn trust, culminating in a breakout performance in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns.
That game was Jackson’s coming-out party. He racked up seven tackles, defended two passes, notched a sack, and picked off a pass-an all-around impact performance that earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. More importantly, it put him squarely on the radar of the Bears’ coaching staff and front office.
When Edmunds returned in Week 16 against Green Bay, Jackson saw fewer defensive snaps, but he didn’t disappear. On special teams, he stayed active and engaged-literally.
On one Packers kick return, Jackson dove into the pile with the kind of energy that fires up a crowd-and in this case, helped ignite a spirited “Green Bay Sucks” chant. That’s the kind of edge and emotion that fans in Chicago appreciate.
Why Jackson Fits in Chicago
There’s more to Jackson’s emergence than just his stat line. His familiarity with the defensive system has been a key factor.
Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen knows Jackson well-Allen was the head coach in New Orleans when Jackson spent time with the Saints. That connection has smoothed Jackson’s transition and allowed Allen to trust him in high-leverage situations.
That trust has paid off. Jackson has shown he’s more than just a plug-in body-he’s a playmaker when given the chance. And even when he’s not on the field for extended defensive snaps, he’s still making an impact on special teams and bringing energy to the locker room.
What Comes Next?
Looking ahead to 2026, the Bears have a decision to make. Their linebacker core is already under contract through at least that season, but Jackson has played his way into the conversation. He’s proven he can step in and contribute when called upon, and that kind of reliability is invaluable over the course of a long NFL season.
There’s also the matter of fit. With Allen running the defense, Jackson is in a system that suits him-and a coaching staff that knows how to use him. That familiarity could be a factor if the Bears look to re-sign him, potentially even at a team-friendly rate.
At the very least, Jackson has shown he belongs on an NFL roster. He’s earned a spot as a dependable backup and high-energy special teamer. And if the Bears are smart, they’ll find a way to keep him in the fold moving forward.
Because in a league where depth can make or break a season, players like D’Marco Jackson aren’t just nice to have-they’re essential.