When the 2023 NFL free agency legal tampering window opened up on Monday afternoon, quite a few moves were made very quickly. Among the most aggressive teams so far in free agency has been the Chicago Bears. To start things off, they were able to sign linebacker T.J. Edwards from the Philadelphia Eagles and then they backed that move up with a splash, signing Buffalo Bills star linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
Edmunds was among the most coveted free agents available on the market this offseason. Being able to sign him was a huge step towards getting back into contention in the NFC for the Bears.
Following the move to sign Edmunds, Next Gen Stats took to Twitter to share one crazy statistic about the new linebacker in Chicago. This statistic should excite the Bears and their fans.
He led the entire NFL in yards per target at the linebacker position. Having linebackers who can cover the pass is a major need for most teams around the NFL, but the Bears happen to have arguably the best unit at accomplishing just that.
Needless to say, this is arguably the best move of free agency thus far. Ryan Poles and the Bears’ front office has to be feeling good about what they have accomplished today.
During the 2022 season with the Bills, Edmunds ended up recording 102 total tackles to go along with a sack, an interception, and seven defended passes. He will immediately become a major leader for the Bears’ defense and will bring much-needed playmaking to the middle of their defense.
At just 24 years of age, the Bears were able to land a player who can help them win now, but also build and grow with the young nucleus. This team is one to watch both now and a few years down the road. Chicago has not been messing around with their rebuild around young quarterback Justin Fields.
Expect to see the Bears remain active in free agency this offseason. They are looking to get back to the top of the NFC North and Tremaine Edmunds will be a big piece in helping them accomplish that goal.
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