REPORT: Chicago Bears Strike Early On Free Agent Market
The Chicago Bears didn’t waste any time. Merely 15 minutes after the legal tampering window opened on 2023 free agency, it was announced that they’d come to terms with veteran linebacker T.J. Edwards on a three-year contract. This isn’t a surprise. Edwards has ties to assistant GM Ian Cunningham. He’s coming off an outstanding season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he had 159 tackles and two sacks. He can play both outside and in the middle, depending on where Matt Eberflus and the coaching staff see him.
Edwards is a young, ascending player. Getting him for less than $7 million per year is a big win for the Bears. He may not be Roquan Smith, but he is a solid player that greatly helps a weak linebacking corps. It also doesn’t preclude them from maybe adding another veteran to the mix. Rumors persist they’re interested in Bobby Okereke from Indianapolis as well. Either way, Edwards is the first step in overhauling a front seven that was among one of the NFL’s worst in 2022.
Edwards’ addition will give the Chicago Bears draft flexibility.
It is likely Poles doesn’t want to reserve one of his higher draft choices for a linebacker. He’s made it clear he doesn’t view the position as one of premium value. That is why he willingly traded Roquan Smith last year. The GM believes he can find value in other ways while reserving the biggest draft assets for other positions like defensive line and cornerback. Based on early rumors, it sounds like the Bears will be active next month, trying to upgrade their front four after a disastrous 2022.
Given his athletic profile, it’s a reasonable assumption that Edwards will man the weakside linebacker spot. He has speed, instinct, tackles well, and is very good in coverage. Players must be all those things to play that position in this defense. See Lance Briggs and Derrick Brooks. Edwards isn’t at their levels but he’s more than adequate. The Chicago Bears can continue building around him.