The Chicago Bears’ 2023 free-agent acquisition, linebacker T.J. Edwards, has been a pivotal part of the defense over the past two seasons, leading the team in tackles and TFLs since 2023. Since then, Edwards has recorded 284 tackles, 20 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, four interceptions, ten pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in 34 games. He had a solid 2024 campaign, with 129 tackles, 12 TFLs, four sacks, one interception, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 17 starts.
The Chicago Bears LB enters the final year of his contract
T.J. Edwards enters the final year of his three-year, $19.5 million contract. He is scheduled to earn a $5.4 million base salary, along with a $7 million cap hit in 2025. Since he is a pivotal part of the defense and enters the final year of his deal, it would be logical for the Bears to sign Edwards to a contract extension now rather than having him enter free agency next March.
The Chicago Bears secure a key defensive starter
According to Ian Rapoport, the Bears and T.J. Edwards have agreed to a reasonable contract extension. As Rapoport points out, the deal is for two years and is worth $20 million, with $16.6 million fully guaranteed. As a result, Edwards will be under contract through 2027.
Sources: The #Bears have paid another key piece of their defense. This time, they lock up LB TJ Edwards on a 2-year, $20M extension with $16.6M fully guaranteed.
The tackling machine earns another done by agent @SteveCaric of @Wasserman. pic.twitter.com/NJSGEro3DU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 16, 2025
Here’s a look at the other players the Bears extended this offseason
- Kyler Gordon: 3 years, $40 million
