The Chicago Bears appear to be moving on from linebacker Tremaine Edmunds this offseason after granting him permission to seek a trade. The move would clear $15 million in cap space, money that could help rebuild a defense that struggled for much of last season. However, moving on from Edmunds would leave a major void at linebacker, as he never recorded fewer than 100 tackles in a season with the Bears.
If the trade happens, the 2026 NFL Draft could be where Chicago looks for his replacement. One prospect they met with at the NFL Combine who fits the mold is Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.
Why Anthony Hill Jr. fits the Bears’ defense
Hill is coming off a strong 2025 season in which he was named a second-team All-American. He finished with 70 tackles, including seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and two interceptions. He also had a dominant 2024 season, recording a career-high 113 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks.
He has the skill set to develop into a high-end NFL linebacker. Hill showed sideline-to-sideline speed, backed up by his 4.51 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the third-fastest time among linebackers. Along with his speed, he displays good agility, allowing him to hold up in coverage. That is an area where he showed noticeable improvement this past season with the Longhorns.
On the rise 📈
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) February 27, 2026
4.52u for @thegoatanthony1
📺 #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/Vlv7vnVEhR
Another area of growth was playing under control, which can be challenging for a player with his physical traits. In 2024, he missed 18 tackles. This past season, he missed only three, lowering his missed tackle rate to 4.5 percent compared to 15 percent the year before, according to PFF.
In terms of fit, Hill would immediately upgrade the Bears’ speed at linebacker, a position the team is looking to improve. His ability to create turnovers would also align well with a defense that led the NFL with 33 takeaways. Hill created five turnovers this past season and has forced seven fumbles over the past two years.
There is little doubt Hill would be a strong fit in Chicago’s defense, and the Bears would likely target him in the second round. The question is whether he will still be available. The Dallas Cowboys, who have also shown significant interest, could select him before the Bears’ second-round pick at No. 57 overall, especially since Chicago is unlikely to take a linebacker in the first round. Dallas could trade down from No. 20 into the early second round and take Hill, or even select him at No. 20, a pick acquired in the Micah Parsons trade.
If Edmunds is dealt, Hill makes sense on paper and on tape. The issue will not be fit. It will be availability.