Bleacher Report identifies the Chicago Bears' best-kept secret
One of the first signings the Chicago Bears made last offseason was linebacker TJ Edwards. Edwards' signing was an afterthought given the team's deal with former Buffalo Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, but it was Edwards who wound up having the biggest impact on the defense last season.
Despite a slow start to the season, Edwards proved to be an anchor on the Bears' defense in 2023. Appearing in all 17 games last season, Edwards totaled 155 tackles last season including 8 tackles for loss and 3 interceptions.
In a defense that values takeaways at the linebacker position, Edwards flourished. It should be no surprise to see Bleacher Report list Edwards as the Bears' best-kept secret on their roster.
"Chicago Bears: LB T.J. Edwards
- Matt Holder, Bleacher Report
While Termaine Edmunds got the big contract in free agency last spring, the other linebacker the Bears brought in outplayed him in the fall.
Edwards was extremely productive during his first season in Chicago, ranking seventh in the league with 155 total tackles while recording a career-high three interceptions and seven passes defended."
Given the struggles the Philadelphia Eagles' defense had last season, it's safe to say they realized Edwards's impact on the field. In his first season with the Bears, Edwards proved that he's not just stacking tackles; he makes impact plays.
TJ Edwards continues the Chicago Bears' linebacking legacy.
For all the concern facing the Bears in the aftermath of their decision to trade Roquan Smith at the 2022 NFL Trade Deadline, the team appears to be headed in the right direction at the linebacker position. Even Edmunds came on towards the end of the 2023 season after injuries slowed him at the start of his first season with the team.
One thing is clear, if Edwards repeats his 2023 performance with the Bears in 2024, he won't be much of a secret.
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