The Chicago Bears made big noise when they paid both Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards at the same time. While Edmunds is the higher-paid and higher draft pick of the two, Edwards is the one who comes in higher on our roster ranking, as he is the 12th most important player entering 2025.
Ranking most important Bears in 2025: Number 12 T.J. Edwards
If there is one word to define Edwards with the Bears, it has been stable. He has his issues when opposing teams can get him lined up one-on-one against speedier running backs who can get down the field in the passing game. Guys such as Austin Ekeler or Aaron Jones will be issues for him.
However, he is smart, instinctive, and always takes good angles to the football so that even when he does have a physical disadvantage, he can find ways to keep himself in the play. Beyond that, he does not miss many tackles or assignments when filling a gap in the run game or sticking to his zone in coverage.
The Bears trust Edwards as they extended him this offseason. He is likely the second most consistent player on the Bears' defense, although he ranks fourth amongst defensive players on the list of most important Bears. Some of that comes down to his position and role.
However, at the same time, the depth behind Edwards and Edmunds is now very questionable, and it makes Edwards being a stable piece who does not leave the lineup all of the more valuable. You could make a strong argument that he deserves to be in the top ten, and his play this year may back that up.
Read more: Ranking most important Bears on 2025 roster: Number 13 is big FA addition
After his second year was not as impactful as his first, he comes in at number 12.