On Tuesday, the New Orleans Saints, and every other team in the NFL, had to make a ton of tough decisions as they cut their roster down to 53 players. For the Saints, that meant parting ways with some young players they had invested years in. One of those players was D'Marco Jackson, a linebacker the Saints selected in the fifth round of the 2022 Draft.
After three years in New Orleans, Jackson’s time with the team came to an end during Tuesday’s roster cuts. Fortunately for him, he was claimed on waivers by the Chicago Bears on Wednesday, and will now start his second opportunity in the NFL.
Bears claim former Saints linebacker D'Marco Jackson
Jackson will see a familiar face in Chicago, and likely the reason he was claimed. Dennis Allen is currently the Bears’ defensive coordinator, and he was the head coach of the Saints when Jackson was drafted, and during the three seasons he played with the team. Allen is now reunited with the linebacker, and will integrate him into Chicago’s defense.
In New Orleans, Jackson held a top depth role during his three years. After missing his rookie year with an injury, he played in 27 games over the last two years, recording 26 total tackles, and one fumble recovery that he took back eight yards for a touchdown. The majority of his snaps came on special teams, playing 579 special teams snaps in two years compared to 73 defensive snaps.
Now, in Chicago, Jackson joins a Bears team that is hoping to get things turned around under a new coaching staff led by Ben Johnson, and Dennis Allen on the defensive side of the ball. This new opportunity will give him the chance to continue being an impactful special teams player, while also developing as an NFL linebacker.