T.J. Edwards
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T.J. Edwards of the Chicago Bears.
When the Chicago Bears signed T.J. Edwards back in March of 2023, they were looking for a linebacker reliable enough to at least fill part of the void left by the Roquan Smith trade. Together with Tremaine Edmunds, the duo managed to do that, at least for a few seasons.
But salary cap dynamics will likely ensure that Edmunds will be released this offseason, and money, coupled with injury issues, could mean Edwards will be gone after the 2026 season.
Bears insider Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron spoke to several folks in the know during Super Bowl week, and what he heard about Chicago’s duo of LBs is pretty darn telling.
Will Chicago Bears Cut LB T.J. Edwards? Here’s What Insiders Are Saying About His Future
T.J. Edwards, Bears
GettyWhat does the future hold for LB T.J. Edwards of the Chicago Bears? Will he be cut at some point?
“I didn’t find one person who thought Tremaine Edmunds would return this upcoming season. I also got the idea that the Bears wouldn’t mind moving on from TJ Edwards as well, but that it didn’t make much sense financially, and that Edwards, being an off-ball linebacker who is 30 years old and coming off a significant injury, has no trade value,” Zimmerman wrote on February 13, adding:
“Edwards will most likely be here in 2026 because of what was laid out above, but will almost certainly be gone in 2027. Edwards feels like another extension they’d like to have back, although I didn’t hear that directly, just the feeling I got talking to people.”
Edwards arrived from Philadelphia on a three-year, $19.5 million deal and immediately became one of Chicago’s busiest defenders. He started all 17 games in 2023 and finished with 155 total tackles, 2.5 sacks and three interceptions.
He also played well in 2024. He started every game once again, and amassed 129 tackles, 4.0 sacks and an interception. After two productive seasons, the Bears added two more years to Edwards’ contract on a two-year, $20 million extension with $16.6 million guaranteed, effectively keeping him around through the 2027 season.
Money & Injuries Are Huge Factors Here, Though
Availability — or lack of it, unfortunately — is what defined Edwards’ 2025 campaign. He played 10 games and missed seven while dealing with hand and hamstring issues. He finished with 67 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, an interception and five pass breakups.
When he was on the field last season, Edwards still had a few splash plays, like when he snagged a tipped pass by Brock Purdy for a pick-6 against the San Francisco 49ers.
But in the wild-card round against the L.A. Rams, he suffered a devastating injury, fracturing his left fibula. In his season-ending presser, Bears GM Ryan Poles said Edwards was one of the players “progressing to be back this offseason,” but it remains to be seen how he’ll perform once he’s back on the field.
Over the Cap lists a $7 million signing bonus and guarantees that run through the veteran LB’s 2026 salary, with cap numbers rising to roughly $10.8 million in 2026 and 2027.
Edwards’ ties to Chicago — he’s a Lake Villa, Illinois native, and he grew up rooting for the Bears — have made him a fan favorite. But his recent injury issues could impact his future significantly. If he can’t stay healthy in 2026 — and productive to boot — he’s likely a goner at season’s end.