The Chicago Bears wrapped the 2023 season with a 7-10 record, which included an encouraging 4-2 finish. The offseason is in full swing, which has already included some big decisions: Sticking with head coach Matt Eberflus, the firing of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy,
the subsequent hiring of new OC Shane Waldron, and bringing in Eric Washington to be the new defensive coordinator.
For the second straight year, the Bears have the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, and they have an important decision to make at quarterback – run it back with Justin Fields or draft Caleb Williams, who many believe to be a generational talent. It could very well be the most important offseason in recent franchise history.
Here at Bears Wire, we’re going position by position through the 2023 Bears and grading every player. Up next are the linebackers, a position that was overhauled in free agency with TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds coming to town.
TJ Edwards: A
2023 stats: 155 total tackles, 8 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 8 QB hits, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, 3 interceptions, 7 pass breakups (17 starts)
The Bears found a gem on the first day of free agency with TJ Edwards, who was their first big signing of the offseason. Edwards signed a three-year deal worth $19.5 million and quickly showed he was worth the investment. He finished seventh in the league in total tackles, but it was how he made those tackles that made Edwards so good. For much of the season, Edwards stopped ball carriers in their tracks, flying to the ball and making big stops in open space. Watching him in 2023 was like watching Lance Briggs back in the mid-2000s. Edwards got better as the season wore on and even found ways to come up with interceptions to go along with his big hits. He was easily the best free agent signing of last offseason.
Tremaine Edmunds: B
2023 stats: 113 total tackles, 5 for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 4 interceptions, 1 touchdown, 7 pass breakups (16 starts)
Shortly after Edwards signed, the Bears inked Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year deal worth $72 million, their biggest splash signing of the offseason. Edmunds was tasked with taking over as Chicago’s field general, but it took a while for him to make an impact. Edmunds struggled early on with missed tackles and looked lost in coverage. His 13 missed tackles were the most he’s had since his rookie season and 12 more than he had in 2022. Things got better when Montez Sweat arrived, giving Edmunds more opportunities to make plays. His four interceptions were the most by a Bears linebacker since Brian Urlacher in 2007, and three of them came in the final seven games of the season. If the defensive line is causing chaos, Edmunds will be in a great position to make a play. If not, he’s going to struggle.
Jack Sanborn: B
2023 stats: 65 total tackles, 7 for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups (17 games)
With the additions of Edwards and Edmunds, 2022 phenom Jack Sanborn wound up having to take a backseat after a breakout rookie season. But that doesn’t mean he wasn’t making plays. Sanborn had more tackles than he did in 2022 and added two more tackles for loss. He continues to play with impressive instincts and is exceptional when playing downhill. He struggles when it comes to passing coverage, however. Sanborn allowed 23 completions on 26 targets when in coverage, though he did get an interception at one point in garbage time against the Kansas City Chiefs. Though some want to see him in the middle of the defense, Sanborn is in an ideal role as a strong side linebacker.
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