TJ Edwards Cracks Pro Football Focus’ Top 101 Players of 2023

As 2024’s NFL free agency signing period quickly approaches, it’s worth taking a quick look back and acknowledging one of the best moves the Chicago Bears made in 2023’s free agency cycle.

The Bears signed TJ Edwards to a three-year, $19.5 million contract on the first day of free agency last year, and while his addition was viewed as a solid move, it wasn’t the biggest transaction GM Ryan Poles would make on the open market. That distinction belonged to fellow linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.

But it was Edwards who was the star of Chicago’s linebacker corps last season, finishing with year with 155 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions.

On Wednesday, Edwards was named to Pro Football Focus’ Top 101 Players of 2023. He checked in at No. 94.

“Edwards seems destined to spend an entire career as a criminally underrated player simply because he isn’t a spectacular athlete or physical specimen,” PFF’s Sam Monson wrote. “Overshadowed by Tremaine Edmunds in Chicago’s spending last free agency period, Edwards notched 61 defensive stops in his first year with the Bears while besting Edmunds’ production in coverage.”

The Chicago Bears will look to make it two offseasons in a row with a batch of productive signings in free agency. The 2024 legal tampering window opens on March 11, and players can formally sign with their new clubs on March 13.

Some big-name free agents who the Bears have been connected to include Christian Wilkins (DL, Dolphins), Saquon Barkley (RB, Giants) and Calvin Ridley (WR, Jaguars).