Chicago Bears: Top 10 linebackers in franchise history

Next in our series of best Chicago Bears players is the linebackers unit. Here are the top 10 franchise linebackers of all time.

Last week we came up with a new series. The series looks at the top all-time Chicago Bears players by units. We started off with a rough one — the wide receivers. Next up, we look at a much better-rated unit in the linebackers.

The Chicago Bears have the most all-time great linebackers. Their greats span the decades of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s. and 2000s. The Pittsburgh Steelers are second with all-time players in four decades.

The Bears have linebackers who were icons. When you think of what a linebacker should be, more often than not a Chicago Bears linebacker is pictured.

Now, as what inevitably happens when one makes an all-time list, many will question the order or question why certain players aren’t on the list. This list is no different.

I’m sure the most controversial omission is Wilber Marshall. I left him off this list because I didn’t feel he played enough. He was hitting his prime when he left the organization as a free agent. Who knows how great the trio of Mike Singletary, Otis Wilson and Marshal could have been. However, they only played 41 games together.

Additionally, Marshall played more games for Washington than he did for the Bears. Many will overlook that and want him on the list, but I have him ranked 11th.

The Bears drafted Roquan Smith with the eighth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. They hope Smith becomes the next in line of great linebackers. For the meantime, let’s take a look at the top 10 Chicago Bears linebackers of all time.