Sanborn has expressed his commitment to the Bears, emphasizing his connection to the city and the coaching staff. “I love it here in Chicago and being part of what [coach] Ben Johnson and [defensive coordinator] Dennis Allen have been building here and the success that they’ve had,” he said. “It’s something I couldn’t pass up, and I’m grateful that I’m able to come back here and help in any way I can.”
The Bears’ linebacker room is crowded with veteran additions and young talent. Devin Bush recently joined the team on a three-year, $30 million deal, while T.J. Edwards and D’Marco Jackson were starters from last season. The Bears also drafted three additional linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft: Ruben Hyppolite II, Noah Sewell, and Keyshaun Elliott from Arizona State, bringing the group to six linebackers not counting Sanborn.
The 2025 Bears carried six or fewer linebackers in many rosters, and last year’s numbers show Sanborn’s odds could be slim given the depth and contracts tied to the position. At 25 years old, Sanborn remains a young, inexpensive option, but the competition at the second level is fierce, making this a pivotal period for him to prove he can contribute consistently.
Keyshaun Elliott is another name to watch in this competition. The 22-year-old linebacker was picked in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft and adds versatility to the unit. Elliott logged more than 300 career tackles at Arizona State and was noted for his leadership and downhill tackling ability. He wore the green dot as the Mike linebacker in his college scheme and showed playmaking ability with 90-plus tackles, 14-plus tackles for loss, and seven-plus sacks in his final college season. Evaluators highlighted his size, speed, and read-react instincts, along with his leadership qualities, which could translate well to the professional level.
Evaluators and scouts have noted that Elliott’s pre-draft assessments were highly positive, with many praising his instincts, downhill burst, and leadership. He is seen as a player who can grow into a starting role with proper development. The Bears have shown interest in developing young linebackers, and Elliott fits that mold with potential to contribute on multiple downs and in different packages.
In summary, the Bears’ linebacker room is loaded with talent and options, which could complicate Sanborn’s path to a roster spot. While he has the advantage of being a cost-controlled, young player with familiarity with the organization, the competition from new additions and recent draft picks will be the deciding factor as cuts loom. If Sanborn can demonstrate improved consistency and cover skills, he may still find a role within the defense. Otherwise, the path forward could involve exploring opportunities elsewhere or contributing on special teams as the roster moves toward final decisions.
Key factors to watch across the position:
– Performance in training camp and preseason games, especially in pass coverage and tackling consistency.
– Impact and versatility of the newly acquired veterans on the depth chart.
– Development and potential role of young linebackers like Keyshaun Elliott, including their adaptability to multiple defensive packages.
– Overall roster strategy and how many linebackers the Bears intend to keep for special teams value and situational depth.
The position battle remains one of the most intriguing in camp, with multiple players capable of contributing. Fans will be watching closely to see which linebackers emerge as the preferred group for opening-week responsibilities and how Sanborn’s performance stacks up against the competition.
Note: All player-focused details, stats, and quotes reflect ongoing discussions about roster composition and publicly reported assessments of performance.
