Chicago Bears 20 Most Important Players: #10 TJ Edwards

We continue our series profiling the 20 most important Chicago Bears players in 2023. At number ten is linebacker T.J. Edwards.

As the Chicago Bears inch closer to the start of training camp we continue our series profiling the 20 most important players in 2023. You can check out the previous players we profiled here.

We have now reached the top ten, linebacker T.J. Edwards.

Edwards was the first free agent signing announced this offseason. General manager Ryan Poles overhauled the linebacker unit. He signed two of the top linebackers in the NFL, Tremaine Edmunds and Edwards.

Edwards was the leader of the tough and athletic Philadelphia Eagles linebacker unit. He helped the Eagles have one of the toughest defenses in the league and the unit helped the Eagles make it to the Super Bowl. Now he takes his talents to Chicago.

Edwards was the middle linebacker for Philadelphia. However, he will man the weakside linebacker spot, also known as the Will. Even though defensive coordinator Alan Williams is in charge, he was Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus’ assistant in Indianapolis when Eberflus was the Colts’ defensive coordinator. This is a version of Eberflus’ defensive scheme.

In this scheme, the Will linebacker is critical. It is the position that will be most around the ball. The Will linebacker has the greatest number of opportunities to make plays. Just look at Shaquille Leonard. He became the top linebacker in the league playing in Eberflus’ defense.

Edwards was an undrafted rookie free agent out of Wisconsin. He’ll now become the second undrafted linebacker from Wisconsin (Jack Sanborn).

Edwards has the tools to make an impact

Edwards has the quickness, athleticism, and strength to be a big part of the defense. He will help solidify the Bears’ run defense. That was one of the biggest weaknesses of the Chicago Bears defense last year. Chicago ranked dead last in rushing touchdowns allowed and 31st in rushing yards allowed.

Edwards will also help the pass defense. He is strong enough to cover. Additionally, with an improved defensive line performing well, Edwards could hit the gap and get into the backfield. He could get a sack or pressure the quarterback. Pressuring the quarterback was another area the Bears defense struggled.

While Edwards did not have the “C” for captain on his jersey in Philadelphia, he was the leader of the defense. After having led the defense and helping the Eagles get to the Super Bowl, he’ll have the juice to have his teammates listen to what he says.

Edwards was a great teammate in Philadelphia. Eagles center Jason Kelce had high praise for Edwards. He loved what he did for the defense and feels he’ll be great in Chicago.

T.J. has been a really big part, he had a great year last year and he’s been a guy that you’ve seen get better every single year. You’ve seen that improvement. He’s a smart player, he’s instinctive. You know when you’re playing certain guys early in their career and you can just tell that they get it? He has great feel for the game of football. Obviously would’ve loved to have him back in Philadelphia, but T.J.’s gonna do great over there in Chicago.

Edwards will be a big part of Bears’hicago Bears defense. He’s improved every season in his career. Now he wants to continue that in Chicago.