Bears, Lions rumor shows NFC North foes could compete for high-upside Michigan LB
The Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions are rumored to have interest in the same Michigan linebacker who has the potential to be a starter in the NFL.
Bears, Lions rumor shows NFC North foes could compete for high-upside Michigan LB originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears saw a big subtraction from their linebackers rooms this offseason.
The Lions let Anzalone walk in free agency, which was expected, and the Bears cut Tremaine Edmunds , leaving a void in the middle of their defense. While the Lions have a strong trio in Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez, they could use more competition for their depth role, and Rodriguez is only on a one-year deal, so he could be gone in 2027. Meanwhile, the Bears could use more competition for multiple roles, including for one of their starting spots, and the depth behind it.
Lions, Bears have interest in Michigan linebacker. Knowing all that, it comes as no surprise that the Lions and Bears are showing interest in Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder ahead of the 2026 NFL draft. "The Detroit Lions, who lost Alex Anzalone in free agency, have shown a lot of interest in Rolder," Essentially Sports' Tony Pauline reported.
"[Rolder] has official-30 visits set up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , Buffalo Bills , and Chicago Bears," Pauline also noted. Jimmy Rolder scouting report Rolder stepped into a starting role with the Wolverines last season and finished with 73 combined tackles, one interception, two passes defensed and one fumble recovery. According to Pro Football Focus , Rolder did a little bit of everything well, with the Michigan product posting a pass-rush grade of 62.