Bears claim former Falcons LB off waivers

The Falcons waived the contract-year linebacker Sunday, marking an interesting shift after Walker started 12 games for the team last season and 20 overall during his career. The Bears are now responsible for Walker’s contract year, though that checks in at just $895K.

Atlanta has made some changes on defense this offseason, hiring Ryan Nielsen to take over for the re-retired Dean Pees. The Falcons have overhauled their linebacking corps from the Thomas Dimitroff era. 

A Dimitroff-era draftee, Walker joins Foyesade Oluokun, De’Vondre Campbell, Deion Jones and Rashaan Evans as linebacker regulars to leave Atlanta in recent years. Walker, 25, will now attempt to crack a Bears 53-man roster, one that will feature major changes at the position compared to last season.

The Bears authorized this year’s top free agent linebacker contract, giving Tremaine Edmunds $18M per year (fourth among off-ball linebackers) and $43M fully guaranteed (third at the position) and adding T.J. Edwards on a $6.5M-per-year accord. 

The Bears let Nicholas Morrow walk in free agency but still have part-time 2022 starter Jack Sanborn under contract. Sanborn suffered a season-ending ankle injury in December. The team is ailing a bit at the position, with ESPN.com’s Courtney Cronin noting Edmunds and UFA pickup Dylan Cole were not available Monday.

A Fresno State alum, Walker finished with career-high 107 tackles (four for loss) and two interceptions last season. Pro Football Focus assigned a mid-pack grade to Walker’s 2022 season, placing him 55th overall among off-ball ‘backers. Walker also notched a 66-yard pick-six in 2021. 

The Bears waived linebacker Kuony Deng to clear a roster spot for Walker.