Bears get an A for signing Tremaine Edmunds in first wave of NFL free agency

Paying a linebacker big money in free agency is like drafting a running back in the first round. It’s a decision that sparks the positional value debate. So when the Chicago Bears signed linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year, $72 million contract in the opening hours of 2023 free agency, some immediate takeaways pondered why GM Ryan Poles didn’t prioritize right tackle or edger rusher first.

And while there’s merit in questioning why the Bears haven’t signed an established right tackle or pass rusher, it doesn’t mean adding Edmunds was a mistake.

In fact, according to The Athletic’s Mike Jones, Poles deserves an A for the Edmunds signing.

“Chicago’s intentions of improving its defense are clear,” Jones wrote. “The Bears opened free agency by adding T.J. Edwards from Philly. Now they get the highly coveted Edmunds, who was No. 8 on The Athletic’s ranking of free agents (and No. 2 linebacker), to further fortify their defensive front. Boasting great size (6-5, 250) and athleticism, Edmunds makes plays all over the field whether against the run, as a pass-rusher or in pass coverage.”

It’s hard to argue with Tremaine Edmunds as the Bears’ primary target in free agency. He’s a defensive eraser because of his athletic ability against the run and pass. And while the “LB” next to his name will have analytics disciples shudder at the thought of his contract, it won’t matter all that much once the games kick off in September and Edmunds is making plays all over the field.