Chicago Bears: Poles Starts Free Agency With Big Signing

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles kicks off the free agency period by agreeing to terms with linebacker TJ Edwards.

The NFL’s free agency period began today, March 13th at Noon Eastern. Teams like the Chicago Bears are free to negotiate contracts with potential free agents now but cannot make any official announcements until Wednesday, March 15th at 4 PM Eastern.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles wasted no time in starting the work. He agreed to terms with linebacker T.J. Edwards. The deal is for three years for $19.5 million, with $12 million guaranteed.

Source: The #Bears are on the board, signing star former #Eagles LB TJ Edwards to a 3-year deal.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023

Edwards spent his four-season career with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles signed him as an undrafted free agent. However, he soon became a valuable asset. He was an integral part of the Eagles’ fearsome defense. He ranked sixth among linebackers overall and ninth in pass coverage last season. Additionally, he recorded 159 tackles and 2 sacks.

It was a very good signing for Poles and the Bears. Edwards will man the middle. They had a contract dispute with Roquan Smith last season that forced Poles to trade him to the Baltimore Ravens. Smith was looking for $20 million per season.

Now, Poles has a very good linebacker for just $6.5 million per season. The move also helps with the defense’s depth. There was some talk about Jack Sanborn getting a shot at starting at the middle. He did a great job there after Smith left. However, he suffered an injury that cut his season short. With Edwards on board now, Sanborn becomes his backup. That is a solid duo for the Bears’ defense.

Edwards comes home

Edwards is a local kid. He grew up in Lake Villa and, of course, idolized the Chicago Bears. He tailgated at Bears games and loved Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs.

Now his home turf is where his childhood idols also called home. He tries to fill their shoes.

Moreover, Edwards played his college ball with Wisconsin. In fact, he was a senior there when his new teammate Sanborn was a freshman.

The NFC Champion Eagles are taking a hit defensively. In addition to Edwards, his running mate, Kyzir White, is also a free agent. The Eagles could lose him as well.

In addition to the Eagles, the New York Giants and Washington Commanders were apparently after Edwards.

Poles, meanwhile, solidified the Chicago Bears defense. The defense now has a dependable linebacker who can make plays in the middle.

There are other areas that need shoring up, of course. There are still many holes in the roster. However, this was an excellent first step to getting the franchise back to relevancy. Let’s see what else Poles has up his sleeve.