30 Most Important Bears of 2026: TJ Edwards (No. 25)

ASFN Admin · Saturday at 12:52 PM

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a hyped 2026 season, where they're looking to build off their impressive first season under head coach Ben Johnson, which included an NFC North title and a wild-card playoff win. While they found success in 2025, it's a brand new slate for this Bears team following an offseason of change, including the departures of key veterans and the additions of new veterans and exciting rookies.

The work begins in training camp, where Johnson will put his team through the wringer with the intent to prepare them for the 2026 season. Every day from now right up through training camp, we’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season. We’ll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.

At No. 25 is linebacker TJ Edwards, a player the Bears re-committed to last offseason with an extension, but will have to work his way back from a serious injury suffered in the postseason.

Background

Position: Linebacker

Age: 29

Experience: 8th season

2026 cap hit: $10.8 million

2025 recap

The Bears struck gold when they signed Edwards to a three-year deal in free agency back in 2023, and the new coaching staff thought enough of him to extend his deal going into the 2025 season. Edwards was a key component for the defense and was set to take on a new role as middle linebacker with Tremaine Edmunds moving to the weak side. Unfortunately, injuries limited Edwards to just 10 regular-season games in 2026. Edwards had two separate injury stints, resulting in his worst season in years with 67 total tackles (two for loss), half a sack, and one interception. There were impactful moments, though. The pick-six against the San Francisco 49ers and his stellar play against the Green Bay Packers in the thrilling overtime win in December. But Edwards' season ended prematurely with a fractured fibula early on in the team's first playoff game.

Importance in 2026

For the past few seasons, Edwards appeared much higher on this list. He was a team captain and an unquestioned starter at the position. This year, there is a lot less certainty when it comes to his role. Edwards is rehabbing his leg this offseason and will now share the field with free agent acquisition Devin Bush as well as D'Marco Jackson, who re-signed with the team after filling in admirably for Edwards. The good news, however, is Edwards was already getting in work during offseason workouts and appears to be on track for training camp. Edwards can still play a vital role on the defense and isn't going anywhere in 2026. But it's clear his role isn't what it once was given the recent moves.

Big question: Can Edwards rebound in 2026?

Given the Bears' offseason moves, it doesn't appear that Edwards will be the most impactful linebacker this upcoming season. But can he still rebound following his injury issues? Edwards was already slowing down before the injuries and will be 30 when the season gets underway. When he's healthy, though, Edwards can still rack up double-digit tackles and be a menace in the middle of the field. It will be interesting to see how the Bears plan to deploy their linebackers when the season starts, and it's very possible Jackson outplays Edwards to make him the odd man out. Don't count out the local product, though.