Pro Football Focus gives Chicago Bears ‘A+’ for T.J. Edwards signing

The positive grades are rolling in for the Chicago Bears’ signing of former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker T.J. Edwards.

You can check out our grade for the move here.

Pro Football Focus is a big fan of GM Ryan Poles’ decision to ink Edwards to a three-year deal. They gave the Bears an A+.

“A 2019 undrafted free agent, Edwards is coming off of a career year that saw him rank sixth among all linebackers with an 81.6 PFF grade,” PFF wrote. “Edwards impressed both against the run and in coverage and finished the year tied for 15th at the position with 51 tackles resulting in a defensive stop.

“Chicago replaces Roquan Smith with a three-year deal that doesn’t reach the per-year average of Smith’s new contract with the Baltimore Ravens. Concerns regarding Edwards” coverage ability on third downs are likely why this deal came in so much lower than our projection, but Edwards is capable enough in a zone-heavy scheme to not be a complete liability.”

T.J. Edwards is expected to take over as the Chicago Bears” starting middle linebacker. He should provide an immediate upgrade against the run, which is where the Bears” defense struggled mightily in 2022.

The Edwards signing doesn’t preclude the Bears from pursuing Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke in free agency, who’s long been identified as a fit at weakside linebacker in coach Matt Eberflus’ defense.

We’ll update every Chicago Bears free agency signing as they happen.