In this episode of The Chicago Bears Podcast, Pat The Designer and Shea Norling take a hard look at the Bears' linebacker group under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. They kick things off by discussing Tremaine Edmunds’ four-year, $72 million deal, which has been widely criticized as one of the NFL’s worst contracts. Despite being reliable in tackles, Edmunds hasn’t lived up to his price tag and enters a make-or-break season.

Shea and Pat examine how Dennis Allen’s aggressive, man-coverage scheme could unlock more from the unit—highlighting T.J. Edwards as a physical, veteran presence whose playing style aligns perfectly with Allen’s system, despite a down year in 2024 . They also shine a spotlight on rookie Ruben Hyppolite II, whose blazing 4.39 speed has made him a frontrunner for the strongside linebacker job, and could provide much-needed explosiveness off the edge.

With questions around veteran value, scheme fit, and rookie upside, the guys ask: can this linebacker group—and in particular Edmunds—finally deliver under new leadership, or will it be the weak link in the defense?

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