Amen Ogbongbemiga will not reach free agency. The linebacker and special teams ace has a new deal in place with the Bears, as first reported by Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. 
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo adds this is a two-year, $5MM deal. That marks a slight raise from the value of his 2023 Chicago pact and ensures he will remain in place in lieu of a free agent departure. Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports the contract can max out at $7MM. Ogbongbemiga did not start on defense in any of his 17 Bears games in 2023, but he logged a career-high 366 snaps on special teams.
The 26-year-old spent his first three seasons with the Chargers, totaling 47 appearances. He only started two of those, cementing his role as a core special teamer along the way. Ogbongbemiga signed with the Bears last March, and in 2024 he recorded 13 tackles and one sack. He will be counted on to remain a valued third phase contributor capable of handling rotational defensive duties moving forward.
Chicago has Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards atop the LB depth chart for 2025 and beyond. The team recently decided not to tender restricted free agent Jack Sanborn, a move which leaves the door open to a departure next week. Especially if Sanborn were to head elsewhere, Ogbongbemiga could be in line as a top backup option to see defensive snaps if necessary.
The Bears have been active in terms of outside additions this offseason. The team has trade agreements in place to acquire guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, and earlier today a deal was reached to add veteran tight end Durham Smythe. Those new additions will be counted on to improve Chicago’s offense, while Ogbongbemiga will be a familiar face for the team on defense and special teams.