Bear Goggles On
Fansided

Chicago Bears add defensive help in Mario Edwards

By Parker Hurley

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Mario Edwards #97 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a first down stop during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Mario Edwards #97 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a first down stop during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Chicago Bears signed Mario Edwards, who was released by the New Orleans Saints

The Chicago Bears 53-man roster was set last night, but it will always be moving. As other teams cut their players, the list of available players grew. The Bears saw a player they like in Mario Edwards, and were able to bring him in after he was released by the New Orleans Saints.

Edwards was drafted by the Oakland Raiders, but spent 2018 with the New York Giants and 2019 with the New Orleans Saints. Coming in at 280 pounds, most would consider him a defensive lineman.

However, in 4-3 fronts, Edwards typically lined up on the edge and rushed the passer from the outside. In 2019, he played 316 defensive snaps. 218 were on the edge, while 100 were as an interior lineman, according to PFF.

More from Bear Goggles On

So, as the Chicago Bears update their depth chart, it will be interesting to see if they view him as an edge rusher or defensive lineman. The Bears kept just five interior lineman despite almost always keeping six.

Brent Urban played interior more than edge, but his versatility up and down, and inside and outside the line has allowed him to gain value in Chicago. Would Edwards find a similar role to Urban as a sixth defensive lineman?

On the other hand, Edwards could have been signed to beef up the depth on the edge that is limited. James Vaughters could be on the chopping block, and he presents little upside as it is.

The correlating move will tell us what position he is likely to play. If they release an edge rusher such as Vaughters, he is living on the edge with the Bears.

If they release a different position, it is to ensure a sixth defensive lineman made it, and Edwards should be looked at as a backup to Brent Ubrans role.

Home/Chicago Bears News