'Bothers me': Former Bears star unhappy with Ryan Poles' decision

While the Bears have been building an offensive core for new head coach Ben Johnson, general manager Ryan Poles has been cutting starters from the defense without finding an immediate replacement.

Defensive end DeMarcus Walker was released as a cap casualty in February. Earlier this week, the Bears chose not to tender linebacker Jack Sanborn as a restricted free agent. He’s set to enter free agency and will test the market for 2025.

Jerry Azumah weighed in on Sanborn

Former All-Pro cornerback Jerry Azumah voiced displeasure with the front office’s decision not to tender Sanborn.

Jack Sanborn could still return in 2025

Azumah should know about good linebackers and defense, as he played alongside Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs in Chicago.

After signing as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Sanborn has played in 48 games and started 19. In his first three seasons in the league, he recorded 164 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

Sanborn could earn a higher paycheck with another team in March. However, after testing the market, he may return to Chicago.

Poles and new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen didn’t think he was worth tendering.