00:00Jack Sanborn's journey with the Chicago Bears has officially come to an end, and it
00:17is a tough pill to swallow for many fans.
00:20He was never supposed to be a key player, but he worked his way up, proving himself
00:24with every snap.
00:25Now, the Bears have decided not to tender him, allowing him to enter unrestricted free
00:31agency, no contract extension, no last-minute negotiations, just an open door to walk out.
00:39Sanborn himself confirmed the news with a heartfelt message to the fans.
00:44He took to social media and wrote,
00:46Bears fans, thank you for supporting me over the years.
00:48I am grateful that I was a part of such a wonderful organization with the best fans
00:52in the world.
00:54In my heart, I will always be a Bear.
00:57That message says it all.
00:58This is not just another roster move.
01:00This is a player who fought his way onto the field, earned his spot, and played his heart
01:05out for Chicago.
01:06He was not a first-round pick, not a big-name free agent.
01:10He was an undrafted rookie from Wisconsin who defied the odds and became a starter.
01:15And now, just like that, he is gone.
01:18So why did this happen?
01:20It all comes down to money and roster planning.
01:24The Bears could have used a right-of-first refusal tender to retain him.
01:28That would have cost about $3,263,000.
01:33That is more than Sanborn made in his first three seasons combined.
01:39The Bears decided that was too much.
01:42From a business standpoint, it makes sense.
01:45The Bears already have two established starters at linebacker with Tremaine Edmonds and T.J.
01:50They also have young depth with Noah Sewell, who was drafted in the fifth round last year.
01:55But losing Sanborn takes away experience and reliability.
01:59He played 48 games over the past three seasons, making 19 starts.
02:04He finished with 164 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and four and a half sacks.
02:10He was not just a depth player, he was a playmaker when given the chance.
02:14This is also about scheme fit.
02:16The Bears have a new defensive coordinator in Dennis Allen.
02:20He has a different approach than former coordinator Matt Eberfloos.
02:23Allen might have different ideas about how linebackers should be used in this defense.
02:28Maybe Sanborn did not fit that vision.
02:30Maybe the team is clearing cap space to sign other players in free agency.
02:35Maybe they think they can find someone better in the draft.
02:38There are a lot of unknowns.
02:40One thing is certain, the Bears now need another linebacker.
02:43Depth is crucial in the National Football League, especially in a defense that typically
02:47carries five linebackers.
02:50Edmonds and Edwards are locked in as starters.
02:52Sewell has potential, but beyond that, the depth chart is thin.
02:57The Bears will have options.
02:59Free agency is one possibility.
03:00There are solid linebackers available, such as Zach Bond, Dre Greenlaw, and Tyrell Dodson.
03:05Each of them has experience and would bring different skills to the defense.
03:09The Bears could also look to the draft.
03:11This is a deep class for linebackers, with talented players who could step in and contribute
03:15early.
03:16General Manager Ryan Poles will have to decide how to replace Sanborn's production.
03:22Fans are not happy about this decision, and it is understandable.
03:25Sanborn represented everything Chicago fans love in a player.
03:28He was tough, hardworking, and determined.
03:31He never had anything handed to him.
03:32He had to fight for everything.
03:34When he finally got his shot, he delivered.
03:37He became a fan favorite not just because of his play, but because of his attitude.
03:41He gave it everything he had.
03:43That is the kind of player you want to keep around.
03:46Now he is moving on.
03:47Where will he go next?
03:48That remains to be seen.
03:50There will be interest from other teams.
03:52Any team looking for a smart, disciplined linebacker with experience could take a chance
03:57on him.
03:58He might not get a huge contract, but he will find a new home in the National Football League.
04:05For the Bears, this is just another step in the offseason.
04:08They have big decisions to make.
04:09Free agency is coming up.
04:10The draft is around the corner.
04:12This team is in a crucial phase.
04:14They have to build a roster that can compete in the long run.
04:18Losing Sanborn might not seem like a huge move, but little decisions like this add up.
04:23Every roster spot matters.
04:25Every contract decision has an impact.
04:29Sanborn will always be remembered as a player who made the most of his opportunity in Chicago.
04:33He gave his heart and soul to this team.
04:36Now he is starting a new chapter.
04:37The Bears are moving forward without him.
04:40What do you think, Bears fans?
04:42Was this the right move?
04:43Should the Bears have found a way to keep Sanborn, or is this just part of the business?
04:47Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and as always, Bear Down!
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