An uncomfortable reality is surrounding T.J. Edwards and it could force difficult conversation for the Bears
Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards isn’t making any forward progress in the eyes of those around the NFL and it’s something the Bears should start realizing as well.
The Chicago Bears made two massive investments at the linebacker position back in 2023 when general manager Ryan Poles signed Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards to multi-year deals to reinforce the second level of the team’s defense.
The last few months were telling on how the Bears felt about those two players under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s system. Edwards signed a two-year extension ahead of the 2025 season while Edmunds was released from his contract after the season.
That may seem like a jolt of confidence for Edwards in terms of his standing on this team, but it’s not as secure as you might think and actually a conversation worth exploring further going into training camp.
Could T.J. Edwards’ days be numbered too with the Chicago Bears?
The Bears quickly replaced Edmunds with veteran free agent Devin Bush this offseason, who’s currently penciled in as the starter alongside Edwards. However, Edwards’ spot in the starting lineup long-term could be a discussion not many people are talking about.
Don’t get me wrong, Edwards is a good linebacker, but the league continues to show that Edwards is viewed as a capped ceiling and it’s something the Bears need to recognize.
Edwards missed six games last season due to injury, and while he was off the field, the Bears still managed to overcome the loss with players like D’Marco Jackson stepping up. That’s not to discredit Edwards in any way because we’ve seen what he can look like when he’s at his best such as his 150+ tackle season in 2023, but that was also two years ago and he’s shown signs of regression outside his injuries.
“I know what I’m capable of,” Edwards said in April. “I know the player I am and what I bring to a team. So really, the focus on me is just being the best teammate I can be when I get back on the field doing what I do.”
After re-signing Jackson to a two-year, $7.5 million deal, the Bears turned up the pressure a tad bit under Edwards to actually prove he can be the kind of player he’s capable of and the kind of player the Bears are paying him to be.
When camp opens in a few weeks, Edwards will be out there as a starter, but his performance throughout the year will be something to monitor closely.
After the 2026 season, Edwards’ deal has no more guaranteed money remaining, which means the Bears could decide to move a different direction if his 2023 level of play doesn’t return.