Would this free agent be an under the radar signing for Chicago Bears?
The Chicago Bears are expected to release Cody Whitehair, which will free up nearly $10M in salary cap space. At the same time, this is going to create a hole at left guard. The team could go into free agency and find a younger name at a cheaper salary. One name to look at is David Edwards.
Should Chicago Bears sign David Edwards in NFL Free Agency?
David Edwards will be entering free agency for the first time after his rookie deal with the Los Angeles Rams expires. He did not start as a rookie but was the full-time left guard in 2020, and during the Super Bowl run in 2021.
Edwards started the first three weeks of 2022 but suffered a concussion. He missed week four, but after another concussion during his return in week five, he was shut down for the year. This will obviously be a question for Edwards, along with how much he wants to play for his own health.
Still, there was talk toward December that he could return because he was practicing. However, because of the team was in the situation they were in record-wise, it made no sense to push Edwards to return.
Edwards had to know he was about to hit free agency, and any injury, let alone a concussion could set things back. So, by all accounts, David Edwards is completely healthy. He is going to be 26 years old this season, and he has three seasons of being considered a starter.
Because his least was not his best on the field, and it ended with him being off of the field altogether, his name slips through the cracks among free agents discussed. Still, his 2021 was solid and obviously helped the team win a Super Bowl.
If he can get back to that level, the team signing him is going to be happy. When you think of recent players Ryan Poles targeted they were all in that 25 or 26 years old range, and they all were value signings because they were under the radar. Is this the type of move Ryan Poles will make again? If so, you have to consider David Edwards.