Chicago Bears: Grading their first day of free agency

TJ Edwards, Linebacker

Poles and the Chicago Bears kicked off the new free agency period by agreeing to terms with linebacker T.J. Edwards. The deal is worth $19.5 million for three years, with $12 million guaranteed.

Edwards spent his four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

Since then, Edwards worked hard to become one of the best, toughest players on their vaulted defense. In 2022, he ranked the sixth-highest linebacker overall. Furthermore, he ranked ninth in pass coverage.  He was an integral part of the defense. Overall, he had 159 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 7 passes defended, a fumble recovery, and 2 sacks.

Now Edwards comes back home. He hails from Lake Villa and idolized the Chicago Bears growing up. He tailgated before games and loved watching Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher. Now he follows in their footsteps.

Edwards measures 6-foot-1 and weighs 242 pounds. He has the ability to play all three slots at linebacker but likely plays in the middle.

The move probably moves Jack Sanborn back into a reserve role. Sanborn did a good job manning the middle when the Bears traded Roquan Smtih. He suffered an injury that cut his season short, though. Additionally, he isn’t as athletic as Edwards, but he gives the defense great depth.