As of now, there are no official comments or reactions from Ben Johnson, the head coach of the Chicago Bears, regarding linebacker T.J. Edwards’ contract extension. Johnson, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, was hired by the Bears in December 2024. This appointment came well after the Bears had originally signed Edwards in free agency back in March 2023.
T.J. Edwards, a native of Lake Villa, Illinois, joined the Bears on a three-year contract worth $19.5 million after a productive stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. His signing was widely regarded as a savvy move by the Bears’ front office. Edwards had become a key player for the Eagles, particularly during their successful 2022 season. He led the Eagles in total tackles that year with an impressive 159, helping the team reach the Super Bowl.
Edwards’ game is marked by his strong tackling ability, positional awareness, and overall instincts, especially in run defense and pass coverage. Analysts praised his signing with the Bears, calling it one of the most valuable additions of that offseason. Walter Football, a well-known football analysis site, gave the Bears high marks for their free agency moves, particularly highlighting Edwards as a standout acquisition. They described his deal as a “slam dunk,” underlining his value both in performance and cost-efficiency.
Despite the buzz around Edwards, Ben Johnson has yet to make a public statement about the linebacker’s extension or performance. Given that Johnson took over the coaching role after Edwards had been with the team for over a season, it’s not surprising that he hasn’t made direct comments about the extension. However, Johnson is expected to work closely with defensive coaches to ensure the team builds around key players like Edwards going forward.
While Johnson may not have spoken on Edwards, the coaching staff that preceded him—including head coach Matt Eberflus—voiced significant confidence in Edwards’ ability to be a long-term piece of the Bears’ defensive puzzle. Eberflus praised both Edwards and fellow linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who was also signed in the same free agency period, as foundational talents. He emphasized their youth and proven productivity, suggesting that the duo could help reshape the team’s defense in the years ahead.
The Bears’ investment in the linebacker position highlighted their desire to return to a strong defensive identity. The front office viewed Edwards as a local product with professional experience and a winning pedigree, and they hoped his leadership and work ethic would resonate in the locker room. His seamless transition into the defense during the 2023 season affirmed that belief, as he quickly became a reliable contributor and one of the most consistent players on the field.
Now, with Ben Johnson leading the franchise, Edwards remains a crucial component of the Bears’ defensive strategy. Even if Johnson hasn’t made his thoughts known to the public, it is expected that he values players like Edwards who bring consistent effort, intelligence, and leadership on game day.
In summary, while Ben Johnson has not issued a direct response to T.J. Edwards’ contract extension, the linebacker’s presence and performance continue to be highly regarded within the organization. His impact on the Bears’ defense, both statistically and in terms of leadership, has solidified him as a key piece moving forward. As Johnson starts his tenure and shapes the team’s future, Edwards is likely to remain a vital part of the team’s identity on the defensive side of the ball.
