The Chicago Bears have made their first big free agent move as they’re expected to sign linebacker TJ Edwards, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
It’s a three-year deal worth $19.5 million with $12 million guaranteed, per Rapoport.
Edwards, one of the top linebackers among the free agent market, fills a huge need at linebacker for Matt Eberflus’ defense, where he’s likely to serve as the MIKE linebacker. He joins a linebacker group that also includes last year’s standout rookie Jack Sanborn, who could shift to WILL linebacker.
He gets $19.5M over 3 years, source said. $12M guaranteed. A big signing for Chicago, and not the last. https://t.co/HSeLf0z6IB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023
Edwards was one of the top-graded linebackers last season, earning a 84.8 grade from Pro Football Focus. Last season, Edwards totaled 159 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and seven pass breakups.