T.J. Edwards, Bears Reportedly Agree to 2-Year, $20M Contract Extension

The Chicago Bears agreed to a two-year extension with linebacker T.J. Edwards, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The contract is worth $20 million overall and has $16 million guaranteed.

Edwards started in all 17 games and eclipsed 100-plus tackles for the second straight season with Chicago in 2024. His four sacks and 12 tackles for loss were also career highs.

His extension almost equals the contract he originally signed with Chicago did. He got $19.5 million over three years from the team in 2023. His slight pay bump reflects how well he has performed in the Windy City.

The relatively short term of the new deal also works to Edwards' benefit because he can return to free agency in his early 30s, a time when he might be able to secure one more sizable payout.

For the Bears, handing $10 million annually to a linebacker with 573 tackles and five interceptions over the last four years is a good piece of business. Edwards has missed just one game over that span as well.

This continues general manager Ryan Poles' more aggressive approach with quarterback Caleb Williams only in the second year of his rookie contract.

Star cornerback Jaylon Johnson and wide receiver D.J. Moore got paid last offseason. This spring, Poles committed $257.1 million on extensions and free-agent contracts.

The spending may not be over, either.

Chicago acquired two-time All-Pro guard Joe Thuney in March, and he's only a year out from free agency. With Edwards' status confirmed, it stands to reason Poles could turn his attention toward locking down Thuney.

Between hiring Ben Johnson as head coach and shoring up some weaknesses within the roster, the Bears have had a strong offseason. Wednesday's agreement with Edwards continues that.