When the Chicago Bears claimed linebacker D’Marco Jackson off waivers in late August, few expected him to play a key role on Chicago’s defense into December.
Initially, the former New Orleans Saint was brought in for depth and special teams, also because he was familiar with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme. But with injuries hitting the Bears’ defense hard, Jackson’s rise has become one of the most interesting stories of the Bears’ 2025 season.
A Familiar Face Added on Waivers
On August 27th, the Bears claimed Jackson off waivers. He was a former fifth-round pick of the Saints in 2023. In New Orleans, he mostly played on special teams from 2023 to 2023, totaling 26 tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in 27 games.
Jackson’s role has grown significantly since the start of the 2025 season. He has gone from a waiver wire pickup to a key part of a potential playoff team.
Quiet Preseason Pickup Turns Key Contributor
Although Jackson wasn’t a well-known name at the start of the season, his impact steadily grew during the early months of 2025. Chicago’s defense needed depth as all three starting linebackers missed time due to injuries.
Jackson’s value became clear during a dominant Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns, where he recorded seven tackles, a tackle for a loss, a quarterback hit, a sack, two pass breakups and a crucial interception that shifted momentum in favor of the Bears. Head Coach Ben Johnson even honored him with a game ball for his great performance.
Jackson’s performance against the Browns was timely and stood out among his teammates. According to Pro Football Focus grades from Week 15, Jackson earned a grade of 93.1, the highest on the Bears’ roster that week, surpassing offensive stars like DJ Moore and D’Andre Swift, who both scored multiple touchdowns.
Among all Bears defenders, he distinguished himself, showcasing his range, play recognition, and ability to contribute in various areas, from pass coverage to rushing the quarterback.
Looking Ahead
As the Bears aim for playoff positioning, Jackson’s story reflects a larger theme for the 2025 team: the importance of depth, flexibility, and finding impactful players beyond the stars. What began as a late-summer waiver claim has turned into one of Chicago’s most promising developments.
Bears fans will watch closely as Jackson continues to grow in the weeks leading to the season’s end.
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