The Cowboys signed Sanborn to a one-year deal Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
The 24-year-old linebacker from Wisconsin will reunite with Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who served as the Bears' head coach for most of Sanborn's three-year tenure in Chicago. Sanborn had the worst year of his career in 2024, tallying a career-low 35 total tackles, including 1.5 sacks, along with three passes defended over 17 regular-season appearances and 228 defensive snaps. Expect the fourth-year pro to compete for one of Dallas' starting inside linebacker roles throughout the summer.
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Bears' Jack Sanborn: Notches sack
Rotowire
Sanborn posted two tackles (one solo), including a sack, in the Bears' 19-13 loss to the Texans on Sunday.
With the Bears often playing with two linebackers on the field, Sanborn is often the odd man out. In this game, he played just 18 percent of the snaps, and Sanborn now has just two tackles on the season. The lack of playing time makes him difficult to count on in IDP leagues.
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Bears' Jack Sanborn: Listed as starting linebacker
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Sanborn is listed at the starting outside linebacker ahead of Noah Sewell.
After last year's Week 13 bye, Sanborn played fewer than 20 percent of the snaps in each contest. Prior to that time, the linebacker had a number of games in which he played elevated snaps when Chicago dealt with linebacker injuries. Since 2022, when Sanborn has been called upon to start, he has compiled high tackle totals, making him an excellent IDP in those cases. If the veteran can hold off Sewell for the starting role, Sanborn could be a sneaky IDP option.
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Bears' Jack Sanborn: Will take the field
Rotowire
Sanborn (ankle) is active Sunday against the Lions.
Sanborn was unable to practice Friday, but he's feeling well enough to play Sunday. He should remain one of the Bears' starters at outside linebacker.
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Bears' Jack Sanborn: Surprises with big game
Rotowire
Sanborn tallied eight tackles in the Bears' 30-13 loss to the Chargers on Sunday.
Sanborn saw an elevated snap count when Tremaine Edmunds (knee) left the contest early. As became evident when Chicago traded away Roquan Smith last year, if Sanborn has to step in for Edmunds for any period of time, he'll be an instant starting IDP capable of churning out double-digit tackles in any given start.
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Bears' Jack Sanborn: Best game of season
Rotowire
Sanborn registered eight stops in the Bears' 19-13 loss to the Vikings on Sunday.
Sanborn is typically a part-time player, and this was the first game he recorded more than five tackles in a game. If his role begins to increase, his IDP value could rise quickly after we saw him post strong numbers near the end of the 2022 season.
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Bears' Jack Sanborn: Picks off pass
Rotowire
Sanborn tallied three tackles and intercepted a pass in the Bears' 41-10 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday.
After being a string IDP option in the latter part of 2022, Sanborn is now a situational player who's averaging less than four tackles per game. In his current role, he's a low upside IDP option.
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Bears' Jack Sanborn: Facing competition for starting job
Rotowire
Sanborn may need to hold off Noah Sewell for the Bears' starting job at middle linebacker, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.
Sanborn was a high-impact IDP option when taking over the starting job when Roquan Smith was traded last year. During the Bears' first preseason game, Sanborn missed a couple tackles while Sewell has been been very impressive in camp. For now, it seems as if Sanborn has the No. 1 role, but there is a possibility that Sewell closes in on the job.
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Bears' Jack Sanborn: Ends season on injured reserve
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Sanborn ended the season with 64 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble over 15 games played.
After the Bears traded away Roquan Smith, Sanborn (knee) moved into a full-time role until suffering a season-ending injury in Week 15. During his time as starter, he averaged 11 tackles per game and was an elite IDP option. If he returns healthy in 2023, he should resume his status as a strong IDP option. He's signed through the 2024 season.
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Bears' Jack Sanborn: Exits game with ankle injury
Rotowire
Sanborn (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game versus Philadelphia, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.
Sanborn appeared to get rolled up on during an awkward play and then left the field under his own power. Veteran Joe Thomas should see an expanded role in the rookie's absence.
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Bears' Jack Sanborn: Solid in first start
Rotowire
Sanborn tallied seven tackles in the Bears' 35-32 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.
With Chicago having traded away Roquan Smith, Sanborn stepped into a significant role on defense. It's unclear as to whether he'll retain a similar role going forward, but IDP managers in need of a linebacker who has a possibility of becoming a factor may consider adding him to rosters.
