The Chicago Bears ensured a significant part of their defense remained in the Windy City when they signed linebacker TJ Edwards to a two-year, $2027 million extension. Now under contract through 2027, Edwards will be a focal point of Chicago’s defense for the foreseeable future.
Already two years into his Bears tenure, Edwards has left his mark, setting numerous career-highs. While new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is expected to bring plenty of changes, Edwards will remain a constant. For Chicago’s defense to succeed, the linebacker needs to remain at the top of his game.
Growing up in Lake Villa, Illinois, Edwards joining the Bears was a homecoming. Following his new extension, the linebacker is here to stay, via Nicholas Moreano of Bear Goggles On.
“I wanted to be here,” Edwards said. “Winning here is different.”
"I wanted to be here. … Winning here is different." — T.J. Edwards on his contract extension pic.twitter.com/XQaTEdrhbQ
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) April 22, 2025
TJ Edwards’ run with Chicago Bears
After beginning his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Edwards joined the Bears on a three-year, $19.5 million contract prior to the 2023 season. He started off his Chicago career with a bang, starting all 17 games while registering 155 tackles, seven passes defended and a career-high in both quarterback hits (eight and interceptions (three).
Edwards followed that up by recording 129 tackles in 2024 with three passes defended, a pick and a career-high four sacks. While his numbers dipped a bit, the Bears are confident with Edwards in the middle of the field.
He’ll now be tasked with helping Chicago come out of the defensive cellar. The Bears finished their 2024 season ranked 27th in the league by allowing 353.3 yards per game. They were truly abysmal against the run, ranking 28th by allowing 136.3 YPG. Edwards won’t do it alone, but he will need to cause chaos near the line of scrimmage and stop any runners from getting a full head of steam downhill.
In Edwards’ message, he noted that winning in Chicago is different. Unfortunately, he hasn’t done much of that yet as the Bears have gone a collective 12-22 over his two years with the team. However, things are a bit different entering 2025.
By hiring Ben Johnson as their next head coach, the Bears have brought a brand new excitement to the Windy City. They franchise will need to prove it with results on the field, but everyone from fans and analysts have been signing Chicago’s praises. Signing players like Edwards and Kyler Gordon to contract extensions shows that the team has found their defensive foundation.
The linebacker couldn’t resist the opportunity to play for his hometown Bears when eligible. Now fully locked in, Edwards is ready to help Chicago return to form and claim their spot atop the NFC North.
Chicago Bears GM says extending veteran is a ‘priority’
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