The Chicago Bears made their first big move on Monday just 15 minutes into the legal tampering period, reportedly signing former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker TJ Edwards.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the deal is for $19.5 million over three years, with $12 million guaranteed. Edwards is a top free agent linebacker who had 159 total tackles in 2022 with 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and seven pass breakups.
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For the Bears, this signing fills a need immediately. But overall, this is the start of an offense in Chicago that could be filled with franchise-altering moves. After quarterback Justin Fields showed his immense talent during a lopsided 2022 season, they are in the market for an upgrade around the gridiron to give Fields the support he needs.
And it all seems to be true this time. It doesn’t appear that the bears are making promises they can’t keep or don’t intend to keep. Their move to sign Edwards comes just three days after they traded their No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for multiple picks and wide receiver DJ Moore. They seem really serious about putting all their chips on Fields and getting him weapons that he can use on the field.
Edwards was a huge success with the Eagles, but now the 26-year-old can return home to Chicago and play for the team he grew up rooting for (and tailgating).