The Chicago Bears have secured a key piece of their defense, agreeing to a two-year, $20 million contract extension with linebacker T.J. Edwards, including $16.6 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network.
Edwards, who signed a three-year, $19.5 million deal with the Bears ahead of the 2023 season, has been a consistent presence in the lineup. He was entering the final year of that deal in 2025 with a base salary of $5.4 million before the new extension was finalized.
Over the past two seasons, the 28-year-old linebacker has started every game for Chicago, piling up impressive numbers. He’s totaled 284 tackles (170 solo), 14 quarterback hits, 10 passes defended, 6.5 sacks, and four interceptions. In 2024 alone, Edwards recorded 129 tackles, a career-high four sacks, six quarterback hits, and forced one fumble.
Before joining the Bears, Edwards went undrafted out of Wisconsin in 2019 and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. He emerged as a starter by the end of his rookie season and steadily became a dependable defender, leading to his free-agent deal with Chicago.
This offseason, the Bears have prioritized securing key defensive players. Edwards’ deal follows extensions for cornerbacks Kyler Gordon (three years) and Jaylon Johnson (four years), as Chicago aims to build a more competitive unit on that side of the ball.
Following a 5-12 finish last season, the Bears made a coaching change, hiring former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to replace Matt Eberflus.
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