DONALD

PAYNE

Donald Payne, our 127th ranked linebacker, is best suited to be a primary backup. We project he will end up with the Chicago Bears because they could use a player of this quality after losing Roquan Smith for an extended period of time. The Bears currently have 5 healthy linebackers, and 1 is rated better than Payne: (Joe Thomas).

The Bears currently have no linebackers under contract beyond the 2026 season, so Payne is probably looking at a one year deal, due to his rank, with the team.