30 Most Important Bears of 2025: T.J. Edwards (No. 19)

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for an exciting 2025 NFL season, which features some new faces within the organization poised to get the franchise back to its winning ways. That starts with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach, as well as overhauling the interior offensive line, adding pieces on defense and a potenital impactful rookie draft class.

Every day from now right up through training camp, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2025 season. We’ll recap their 2024 season, look ahead to 2025 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.

Next up at No. 19 is linebacker T.J. Edwards, who returns for his third season in Chicago with the potential to thrive in new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's defense.

Background

Position: Linebacker

Age: 28

Experience: 7th season

2025 cap hit: $5.33 million

2024 recap

T.J. Edwards proved to be one of general manager Ryan Poles' best free agent signings after an impactful 2023 season. But his 2024 season, while not bad, wasn't up to par. Even as the Bears defense regressed as the 2024 season wore on, Edwards continued to make plays and proved to be one of their better players overall. He led the team with 129 tackles and totaled six QB hits, one interception, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, as well as set career highs in sacks (4) and tackles for loss (12). With that said, Edwards looked like a different player by the end of the season than he did in 2023 or even at the start of last season. Perhaps it was part of the wear and tear of a 10-game losing streak and 5-12 record. The hope is that changes in 2025 as Edwards has proven to be an impactful off-ball linebacker who could thrive in new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's system.

2025 outlook

The Bears rewarded Edwards with a two-year, $20 million contract this offseason as they locked down their top linebacker through 2027. While Edwards left plenty to be desired on the field last season, as did many, the move is a testament to the veteran linebacker's importance on defense. With new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen stepping in, it's certainly noteworthy that Chicago opted to extend Edwards to a multi-year deal. That doesn't necessarily mean his future beyond 2025 is safe, especially if he struggles and the Bears find a better option. But, right now, Edwards is poised to return as 1-2 punch with Tremaine Edmunds for Year 3 in Chicago. The expectation is Edwards will be back at weak side linebacker, where he's thrived, but it's certainly noteworthy that Allen flipped Edwards and Edmunds during OTAs, which could mean something or could mean nothing.

Big question: Can Edwards get back to his 2023 form?

Chicago put their faith in Edwards inking him to a two-year extension. Now, it's time for him to prove them right. While Edwards was one of the better players on defense last season, he wasn't the same player he was during his first season with Chicago in 2023. Edwards' production took a dip in 2024, although he once again led the Bears in tackles (129). But his Pro Football Focus grade dropped nearly 20 points from 80.2 (2023) to 60.7 (2024) and he didn't look the same by the end of the season. Now, armed with a fresh multi-year extension and a new defensive coordinator in Dennis Allen, who has a linebacker-friendly scheme, the stage is set for Edwards to get back to his dominating form and serve as an anchor on a Bears defense loaded with talent.

30 Most Important Bears of 2025

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Most Important Bears of 2025: T.J. Edwards (No. 19)