Chicago Bears roster breakdown: How the defensive players fared in 2023 and their contract statuses for 2024

General manager Ryan Poles has multiple critical roster decisions to make in the months ahead as he tries to build the Chicago Bears into a championship-contending team.

He already made two Thursday — releasing veteran offensive lineman Cody Whitehair and safety Eddie Jackson. Other big moves could be around the corner.

With the NFL scouting combine and free agency on the horizon, we looked Monday at how the Bears offensive players fared in 2023, what their contract status is for 2024 and how Poles might evaluate each position. Now here’s a look at the most significant defensive players.

*Contract numbers according to spotrac.com, overthecap.com and the NFL Players Association. Stats according to Pro Football Reference.

Defensive ends

Montez Sweat

Bears defensive end Montez Sweat pressures Lions quarterback Jared Goff on Dec. 10, 2023, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering first year of a four-year extension.

What to know: Poles signed Sweat to a $98 million extension five days after he acquired the five-year NFL veteran from the Washington Commanders for a 2024 second-round draft pick. Poles said Sweat was a “multiplier” in his nine games in Chicago, making everyone around him better while recording six sacks, 14 quarterback hits, four tackles for a loss, three passes defended and a forced fumble. The Bears will rely on that “Tez Effect” again in 2024.

Yannick Ngakoue

Bears defensive end Yannick Ngakoue attempts to tackle Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker on Oct. 22, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)
Bears defensive end Yannick Ngakoue attempts to tackle Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker on Oct. 22, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.

What to know: Ngakoue was a late free-agent addition to a group that desperately needed pass-rush help, signing a one-year, $10.5 million deal in early August. His production wasn’t on par with his career numbers, but it picked up a bit with the arrival of Sweat. Ngakoue had two of his four sacks and three of his seven quarterback hits in five games with Sweat. He then went on injured reserve with a broken ankle that required surgery and missed the final four games. The Bears likely will continue to build their pass rush this offseason.

DeMarcus Walker

Bears defensive end DeMarcus Walker leaves the field after a victory over the Cardinals on Dec. 24, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Bears defensive end DeMarcus Walker leaves the field after a victory over the Cardinals on Dec. 24, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering second year of a three-year contract.

What to know: Walker signed a $21 million deal last offseason and played 67% of the defensive snaps in 17 games. He had 30 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, 16 quarterback hits and nine tackles for a loss and looked to take on a vocal leadership role where he could. He could continue to be a big part of the defensive line rotation.

Rasheem Green

Bears defensive end Rasheem Green celebrates a sack of Commanders quarterback Sam Howell on Oct. 5, 2023, at FedEx Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Bears defensive end Rasheem Green celebrates a sack of Commanders quarterback Sam Howell on Oct. 5, 2023, at FedEx Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.

What to know: Green was another short-term plug for the defensive end depth issues, signing a one-year, $2.5 million contract. He had 15 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for a loss and five quarterback hits while playing 36% of the defensive snaps.

Dominique Robinson

Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson tries to escape Bears defensive end Dominique Robinson on Oct. 1, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson tries to escape Bears defensive end Dominique Robinson on Oct. 1, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering third year of rookie contract.

What to know: Robinson was a developmental project from the time the Bears drafted the former quarterback and wide receiver in the fifth round out of Miami (Ohio). His opportunities fell off midseason when he was a scratch for six straight games. When Ngakoue went out with injury, he returned to limited game action. He had a half-sack, a quarterback hit, a tackle for a loss, 12 tackles and a pass defended in 11 games.

Defensive tackles

Justin Jones

Bears defensive tackle Justin Jones (93) waits for play to resume against the Vikings on Oct. 15, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Bears defensive tackle Justin Jones (93) waits for play to resume against the Vikings on Oct. 15, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.

What to know: Jones’ case will be interesting to watch as the Bears determine how to proceed on the interior of the defensive line. They have young tackles Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens, but Jones started 17 games and played 69% of the defensive snaps in 2023. He had career highs with 4 1/2 sacks and 17 quarterback hits, along with 49 tackles, four passes defended and 10 tackles for a loss. Jones, who has been with the Bears since 2022, also was their nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year for his charity work and leadership.

Andrew Billings

Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings runs onto the field before a game against the Cardinals on Dec. 24, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)
Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings runs onto the field before a game against the Cardinals on Dec. 24, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering first year of a two-year extension.

What to know: Poles was pleased enough with what Billings provided at nose tackle in his first year with the Bears that the GM signed him to a two-year, $8 million extension in November. That will allow Billings to play for the same team for two years in a row for the first time since 2018-19 with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Gervon Dexter

Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter stretches before a game against the Vikings on Oct. 15, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter stretches before a game against the Vikings on Oct. 15, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering second year of rookie contract.

What to know: Dexter, the No. 53 pick in the 2023 draft, had what Poles deemed a “normal rookie season” — quiet at the beginning but showing growth by the end. Poles said he thought Dexter started to affect the quarterback and run game more by the end of the year, and he finished with 20 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks, 12 quarterback hits and two passes defended.

Zacch Pickens

Bears defensive tackle Zacch Pickens celebrates after tackling Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs on Dec 10, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Bears defensive tackle Zacch Pickens celebrates after tackling Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs on Dec 10, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering second year of rookie contract.

What to know: Poles lumped in Pickens, the No. 64 pick in the 2023 draft, with Dexter when he said he was excited for the young players to take the next step in 2024. Pickens had a half-sack, two quarterback hits, a tackle for a loss, a forced fumble and a pass defended to go with 20 tackles.

Linebackers

Tremaine Edmunds

Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds intercepts a pass intended for Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams on Dec. 10, 2023, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds intercepts a pass intended for Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams on Dec. 10, 2023, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering second year of a four-year contract.

What to know: Edmunds was Poles’ biggest free-agent signing last offseason, and the linebacker came on strong by the end of 2023 to help the $72 million contract look solid. Edmunds earned the Bears’ ballhawk award after totaling four interceptions — including a pick-six — a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He also had 113 tackles and seven passes defended. He had only five interceptions over the first five years of his career before his outburst in 2023.

T.J. Edwards

Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) celebrates his interception against the Falcons on Dec. 31, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) celebrates his interception against the Falcons on Dec. 31, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering second year of a three-year contract.

What to know: Edwards was in the thick of the ballhawk competition with Edmunds after totaling three interceptions, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, along with seven passes defended, 155 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks, eight quarterback hits and eight tackles for a loss. Edwards was perhaps Poles’ greatest value signing last year, joining the Bears from the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $19.5 million deal.

Jack Sanborn

Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) and defensive tackle Zacch Pickens tackle Vikings running back Alexander Mattison on Oct. 15, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) and defensive tackle Zacch Pickens tackle Vikings running back Alexander Mattison on Oct. 15, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering final year of a three-year contract.

What to know: The 2022 undrafted free agent continued to be a productive part of the defense, playing strong-side linebacker and filling in for two games when Edmunds was injured. Sanborn had 65 tackles, seven for a loss, a sack, an interception and two passes defended.

Noah Sewell

Bears linebacker Noah Sewell before a game against the Saints on Nov. 5, 2023, at the Superdome in New Orleans. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Bears linebacker Noah Sewell before a game against the Saints on Nov. 5, 2023, at the Superdome in New Orleans. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering second year of rookie contract.

What to know: The 2023 fifth-round pick played only 27 defensive snaps but figured heavily on special teams in his 13 games. He battled a knee injury late in the season.

Dylan Cole

Bears linebacker Dylan Cole (55) celebrates after the Panthers failed to tie the game with a late field goal on Nov. 9, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Bears linebacker Dylan Cole (55) celebrates after the Panthers failed to tie the game with a late field goal on Nov. 9, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.

What to know: Cole, a seven-year NFL veteran, played only three snaps on defense but played 80% of the special teams snaps in his 16 games during his first season with the Bears.

Cornerbacks

Jaylon Johnson

Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson returns an interception for a touchdown against the Raiders on Oct. 22, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson returns an interception for a touchdown against the Raiders on Oct. 22, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Set to be an unrestricted free agent. Franchise/transition tag window opens Tuesday and runs through March 5.

What to know: Poles made it clear at his end-of-season news conference that he expects Johnson to be with the team next year. “Jaylon’s not going to go anywhere,” he said. Whether Johnson stays via the franchise or transition tag or a contract extension is the big question. Johnson certainly helped his case by totaling a career-high four interceptions, including a pick-six, 10 passes defended and a forced fumble in his fourth season. He was recognized as a Pro Bowl selection and a second-team Associated Press All-Pro.

Tyrique Stevenson

Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson celebrates his interception against the Falcons with teammates on Dec. 31, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson celebrates his interception against the Falcons with teammates on Dec. 31, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering second year of rookie contract.

What to know: The Bears drafted Stevenson with the No. 56 pick in 2023, and he started 16 games, totaling four interceptions, 16 passes defended, two forced fumbles and 86 tackles. The experience was invaluable, and the Bears will look for a big jump in his development in Year 2.

Kyler Gordon

Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) breaks up a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (88) in the fourth quarter of a game at Soldier Field in Chicago on Nov. 9, 2023. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) breaks up a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (88) in the fourth quarter of a game at Soldier Field in Chicago on Nov. 9, 2023. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering third year of rookie contract.

What to know: Coaches praised Gordon’s increased comfort in Year 2 as he totaled two interceptions, six passes defended, a sack, two quarterback hits, 61 tackles and three tackles for a loss in 13 games. He missed four games early with a broken hand but returned to continue his development at nickel, where he’ll be a factor again in 2024.

Terell Smith

Bears cornerback Terell Smith warms up before a game against the Vikings on Nov. 27, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Bears cornerback Terell Smith warms up before a game against the Vikings on Nov. 27, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering second year of rookie contract.

What to know: The 2023 fifth-round pick missed five games with mononucleosis but still got quite a bit of playing time, filling in for injured players and splitting reps with Stevenson in many of the other games. Smith had six passes defended, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, 49 tackles and three tackles for a loss, and he’ll return as key depth at cornerback — and continued competition for Stevenson.

Jaylon Jones

Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) and cornerback Jaylon Jones (31) celebrate after a big stop against the Panthers on Nov. 9, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) and cornerback Jaylon Jones (31) celebrate after a big stop against the Panthers on Nov. 9, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering final year of a three-year contract.

What to know: Johnson, an undrafted free agent in 2022, played in all 17 games, logging most of his time on special teams with 148 defensive snaps.

Josh Blackwell

Bears cornerback Josh Blackwell, left, celebrates with teammates after making a nice tackle on a punt return by the Lions on Dec 10, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Bears cornerback Josh Blackwell, left, celebrates with teammates after making a nice tackle on a punt return by the Lions on Dec 10, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Exclusive rights free agent.

What to know: In his second season with the Bears, Blackwell played in 10 games, primarily on special teams. He had 28 snaps on defense.

Greg Stroman Jr.

Bears cornerback Greg Stroman Jr. (27) celebrates an interception against the Commanders on Oct. 5, 2023, at FedEx Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Bears cornerback Greg Stroman Jr. (27) celebrates an interception against the Commanders on Oct. 5, 2023, at FedEx Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Signed through 2024.

What to know: The six-year NFL veteran played in seven games and made one start, totaling 150 defensive snaps. He had an interception, a pass defended, 19 tackles, a sack and three tackles for a loss.

Safeties

Eddie Jackson

Injured Bears safety Eddie Jackson stands on the field on Oct. 22, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Injured Bears safety Eddie Jackson stands on the field on Oct. 22, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Released on Feb. 15.

What to know: Jackson’s seven-season tenure with the Bears ended last week when Poles opted to cut him to clear $12.56 million from the salary cap. It was a predictable move but a notable one given Jackson’s growth into a leader of the Bears defense. He had four of his 15 career interceptions in 2022 but just one in 2023. He also dealt with a foot injury that forced him to miss 10 games over the last two seasons. Now the Bears need to find a free safety to complement Jaquan Brisker.

Jaquan Brisker

Bears safety Jaquan Brisker celebrates his interception against the Vikings on Nov. 27, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Bears safety Jaquan Brisker celebrates his interception against the Vikings on Nov. 27, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering third year of rookie contract.

What to know: Brisker continued to bring fire and physicality to the Bears defense over 15 games in his second season. He had 105 tackles, including three for a loss, a sack, three quarterback hits, an interception, nine passes defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. The Bears hope he can continue to build on a promising first two seasons.

Elijah Hicks

Bears safety Elijah Hicks attempts to tackle Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow on Oct. 22, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)
Bears safety Elijah Hicks attempts to tackle Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow on Oct. 22, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering third year of rookie contract.

What to know: The 2022 seventh-round pick started six games at safety when Jackson and Brisker were out with injuries, totaling 35 tackles and a pass defended.

Quindell Johnson

Bears safety Quindell Johnson intercepts a pass against the Chiefs on Sept. 24, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Bears safety Quindell Johnson intercepts a pass against the Chiefs on Sept. 24, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Signed through 2025.

What to know: The Bears claimed Johnson off waivers before the season, and the rookie played in nine games and had one interception.

Specialists

Cairo Santos, kicker

Bears center Lucas Patrick lifts Cairo Santos after the kicker made a 30-yard field goal to put the Bears ahead with 10 seconds left against the Vikings on Nov. 27, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Bears center Lucas Patrick lifts Cairo Santos after the kicker made a 30-yard field goal to put the Bears ahead with 10 seconds left against the Vikings on Nov. 27, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Entering first year of a four-year extension.

What to know: Poles locked up Santos in December with a four-year, $16 million contract. In his fourth season with the Bears, Santos made 35 of 38 field goals, including seven of 50 or more yards. The 92.1% success rate was the second-best of his career behind a 93.8% mark with the Bears in 2020. He also made 31 of 33 extra points.

Trenton Gill, punter

Chiefs linebacker Jack Cochrane attempts to block a punt by Bears punter Trenton Gill on Sept. 24, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium. (Brian Cassella)
Chiefs linebacker Jack Cochrane attempts to block a punt by Bears punter Trenton Gill on Sept. 24, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium. (Brian Cassella)

Contract status: Entering third year of rookie contract.

What to know: Gill’s stats were about on par with what he did as a rookie. He averaged 46.1 yards per punt and 38 net yards per punt — both in the bottom third of the league — with eight touchbacks and 18 inside the 20-yard line.

Patrick Scales, long snapper

Bears long snapper Patrick Scales walks off the field after a victory over the Cardinals on Dec. 24, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Bears long snapper Patrick Scales walks off the field after a victory over the Cardinals on Dec. 24, 2023, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.

What to know: The longest-tenured Bears player, the 36-year-old Scales has played a part in Santos’ stellar kicking run over four seasons.

Related posts