The Chicago Bears hit the waiver wire on August 27 and came away with two familiar depth pieces for Dennis Allen’s defense: linebacker D’Marco Jackson and cornerback Jaylon Jones.
Both additions make sense. Jackson will reunite with Allen after three seasons together in New Orleans, while Jones, who spent his 2022-24 campaigns with the Bears, returns to a secondary now led by DBs coach Al Harris.
The Bears didn’t enter cutdown week with many glaring roster holes, but they did need more stability in the middle and back end of their defense. Jackson and Jones will help provide that. They may not be big names, but a little familiarity goes along way.
Let’s break down what each player can bring to the Bears’ roster.
More on New Chicago Bears Waiver Wire Claim LB D’Marco Jackson
GettyThe Chicago Bears claimed D’Marco Jackson off the waiver wire.
Jackson, 27, is a 2022 fifth-rounder from Appalachian State and the 2021 Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. In New Orleans, he carved out a core special-teams role, logging a massive 382 ST snaps in 2023 while appearing in 27 games over the past two seasons.
He’ll bring some nice athleticism to the Bears LBs room and on special teams, as well.
Most importantly, Jackson is familiar with the Bears’ new DC. Allen’s defenses are multiple—primarily four-man fronts that toggle between 0ver/under looks. Jackson has already played in that system and within those structures, which should speed up his usage on sub packages and special teams. Expect him to be a Day 1 four-phase special-teamer with a chance to earn more snaps competing with Noah Sewell and Ruben Hyppolite II.
Chicago Bears Re-Sign Jaylon Jones After Brief Break
Jones, 27, is back where he started his career. The former undrafted Aggie played three seasons for the Bears, amassing 85 tackles, four pass breakups and a forced fumble across five starts before a 2024 shoulder injury cut his year short (eight games, 15 tackles, two PBUs). He signed with the Arizona Cardinals in March, but didn’t make their final roster, so Chicago swooped in.
He’s probably not going to start many games for Chicago, but Jones is a good depth outside/slot corner who has been a solid role player during his tenure in the Windy City. His rookie season (40 tackles, two PBUs and a forced fumble) proved he can hold his own when targeted and finish plays that are in front of him.
He’s a plug-and-play fourth or fifth corner who can step into dime and kick-coverage units immediately. Plus don’t discount the Al Harris factor. Chicago hired Harris as defensive pass-game coordinator/defensive backs coach, and his track record of developing aggressive, ball-seeking corners in Dallas should benefit Jones (and the CBs room overall).
With Harris coaching technique and Allen calling the shots on defense, Jones’ familiarity with the building coupled with his special teams value gives him a strong runway to stick on the 53 or be the first CB elevated if numbers squeeze him to the practice squad.
Either way, Wednesday’s modest claims addressed two needs—linebacker speed and CB depth—without sacrificing flexibility.
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