Top free agent cites Bears' elite history on decision to sign with team
The Chicago Bears’ prized free agent in the 2023 class says that the team’s history drew him to the Windy City.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is the crowned jewel of the Chicago Bears 2023 free agency class. On Thursday, Bears fans got their first look at Edmunds in his introductory press conference.
The Bears and Edmunds came to an agreement on a four-year deal worth $72 million including a whopping $50 million guaranteed. In five seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Edmunds proved that he is one of the top players at his position across the league, and is now being paid like it.
On why he chose to sign with Chicago over other teams, Edmunds notes the Bears’ rich history at the linebacker position.
“I think it’s just a great tradition,” Edmunds said. “When you talk about great linebackers, in particular middle linebackers, why wouldn’t you want to come to a place like this? It’s such great tradition. I’m just excited to write my own story now. Obviously had a lot of great guys come through here and I’m a big believer man, you gotta pay respect to guys that came before you because that’s what we’re striving to be like. Not exactly imitate their game, but take a little bit from everybody and put it into your own game.”
Legends like Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher all have walked through Halas Hall and starred at the linebacker position. Edmunds hopes to add his name to that illustrious list of Hall of Famers.
Edmunds visited Chicago during his draft process in 2019 coming out of Virginia Tech. But he made sure to mention that Halas Hall doesn’t look quite the same as it did a few years ago.
“It looked a lot different from how it looks now. The building is beautiful. I’ve just been walking around just enjoying it and looking at all of the tradition and looking at all the legends that have come through here, and I mean true legends. It’s just been breathtaking. It’s definitely been amazing just to see it all, it just motivates you even more. I’m ready to get to work.”
Click here to watch Tremaine Edmunds' career highlights.
Exciting times are ahead for Edmunds who figures to start the season at inside linebacker. His strengths in tackling and underrated skills in pass coverage will be welcomed additions to Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme.
