The Chicago Bears have begun preparations for the 2026 offseason, and their roster appears primed for some significant changes.
If early reports are any indication, the Bears will be looking to add more speed to their group.
The Bears’ defense led the NFL in takeaways during the 2025 regular season, despite a slew of costly injuries. But they also gave up a lot of yards through the air and on the ground. Fittingly, one early report about their offseason plans suggests they are seeking potential remedies.
Bears Move on Speedy LB Before 2026 Offseason Begins
Bears Could Target Dynamic LB
The Bears own seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft as of January 23, and they could use one of them on UTSA linebacker Shadrach “Shad” Banks.
A stat-stuffing speedster, Banks has drawn plenty of attention, including from the Bears.
“A popular name during the predraft process thus far has been UTSA LB Shad Banks. Big time athlete (former Junior Olympic triple jump champ) who was a focal point at both Hula & the American Bowl,” CFB and NFL analyst Ryan Fowler posted on X on January 23.
“He’s now had multiple individual meetings with the Commanders, Bears & Falcons, and recently met with the following clubs: Vikings, Broncos, Raiders, Lions, Jets.”
That is a considerable list of prospective suitors, but Banks could fill a need for the Bears.
The Bears’ linebacking corps was part of the injury-plagued season, with starters T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds both missing time, as did backups Noah Sewell, Ruben Hyppolite II–another speedy player at the position–and special teams ace Amen Ogbongbemiga.
They also still have D’Marco Jackson, who played well when called upon as a starter after joining the Bears following training camp.
Shad Banks Commands Attention
Banks “just missed” making ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s list of top 10 LB prospects, which was published on January 21.
Banks has been on radars for a while, ranking 77th on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” in 2023.
“He might be the only linebacker in Power 5 — or maybe all of FBS — who is back deep returning kickoffs. He averaged 27 yards on three returns last season,” Feldman wrote about Banks in August 2023.
“This is no small linebacker. Banks, who started two games at linebacker in 2022 and made a career-high 10 tackles against Kansas State in the Big 12 title game, is 6-1, 250 pounds, and a former two-time Junior Olympic national triple jump champion. He consistently runs 21 MPH and has been clocked at 4.4 in the 40. He also vertical-jumped 38 inches.”
Banks might not return kicks in the NFL. The Bears ranked 13th in yards per punt return and 12th on kick returns, though. They could also choose to add a promising young prospect to the LB mix. Even a developmental one like Banks, who could also learn behind Edmunds and Edwards.