The Chicago Bears have made their first move in free agency agreeing to terms with linebacker T.J. Edwards.
While the defensive and offensive lines have dominated offseason discussions, linebacker was another big need for Chicago, considering last year’s standout rookie Jack Sanborn was the only one on the roster.
Details of Edwards’ contract have emerged, and the Bears got an absolute steal. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, it’s a three-year contract for Edwards worth $19.5 million with $12 million guaranteed. That’s $6.5 million per year, which is a great bargain for Chicago.
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.
Edwards is coming to the Bears to play the MIKE linebacker role. Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs noted that while Chicago already signed Edwards, that won’t stop them from signing Bobby Okereke, who would fill the WILL role. That means Sanborn would kick out to SAM.
