NFL Analysis Network

Bears Sign Intriguing Linebacker To Open Up NFL Free Agency

The Chicago Bears have already made one monster move this offseason, agreeing to a trade with the Carolina Panthers centered around the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Chicago received four picks in return, including the No. 9 overall pick. They filled a huge void in their lineup by acquiring wide receiver D.J. Moore as part of the deal as well.

That was just the first of what is expected to be multiple splashes for the Bears to make this offseason. Heading into free agency, they were lapping the field in salary cap space. Able to throw their weight around and make aggressive offers in free agency, numerous veterans should be heading to the Windy City in the coming days.

The Bears wasted no time in making their first addition. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the team is going to be signing free agent linebacker T.J. Edwards. No contract details have been revealed yet and no deal can become official until the league year starts on Wednesday, so these agreements are all only agreed upon in principle currently.

This is a huge addition to a Bears defense that was among the least productive in the NFL in 2022. They were last in points allowed and 29th in yardage allowed, struggling especially against the run.

The Bears gave up the second-most rushing yards in the NFL last season and the most rushing touchdowns. That is an area that Edwards will help improve immediately as he is coming off a career season in 2022.

Edwards was a key cog in the Philadelphia Eagles turning things around defensively. He finished with a PFF grade of 84.4, which was the second-best among off-ball linebackers. The former Wisconsin product is also only one of four linebackers to have a grade of 75 or better in pass coverage and in run defense.

Despite not having many pass-rushing opportunities with only 26, he recorded 11 quarterback pressures. No matter the role the Bears have planned for Edwards, he is capable of succeeding in it. After going undrafted in 2019, Edwards is set to cash in as a free agent with the Bears.

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