Edwards’ extension includes $16.6 million guaranteed. The Bears originally signed him to a three-year, $19.5 million contract two seasons ago and he has outplayed that salary. Edwards has four interceptions, 6.5 sacks, and 20 tackles for loss in two seasons starting for Chicago in the middle of the field. He gets a raise as the Bears lock up another important part of their defense after extending CB Kyler Gordon earlier in the week.

Edwards becomes one of the first players off the board in the 2023 free-agency cycle, as the former Eagle is now heading to Chicago. Edwards has emerged as one of the premiere inside linebackers in the league over the last two seasons, totaling 289 tackles, 15 TFLs, and three sacks since 2021. Edwards should immediately fill the inside linebacker spot previously occupied by Roquan Smith after the Bears traded Smith to the Ravens last season.

Edwards has dealt with hamstring issues on and off this season. He made it 21 snaps before departing in Green Bay. 

Edwards started the year playing on less than a third of the Eagles defensive snaps. However, his playing has come up since then and he played on 71% of snaps last week. Edwards has one tackle for loss and a forced fumble on the year. The loss of Edwards may help clear up some running lanes for Jerick McKinnon and Jeff Wilson in the second half.