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The Chicago Bears have been one of the busiest teams in the NFL this off-season, as they have made the moves to become a playoff contender rather than a lottery franchise. They traded down in the 2023 NFL draft to get DJ Moore and a bucket load of draft picks and signed a few handy free agents.
The Bears are going all out to support franchise QB Justin Fields with top-notch talent, and it's looking pretty sunny in the windy city. Let's examine some free agents who could take Chicago to the next level ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
Three Chicago Bears free agent signings to watch in 2023
Here are three new additions - in no particular order - to the storied Chicago Bears franchise and what to expect from them:
#1 Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker
With the signing of former Buffalo Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, the Chicago Bears continue to re-make their linebacker corps.
Edmunds was the Bills' No. 1 pick in 2018. He's a two-time Pro Bowl selection and has five straight seasons with 100-plus tackles. The Bears have signed Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, who can both play middle or weakside linebacker in Chicago's 4-3 defense. It will be a smooth transition for both players, as they played in a 4-3 at their previous teams. Edmunds is also good in coverage, so he's an every-down 'backer.
Edmunds is a vocal leader and will likely add some much-needed grit to the Bears' locker room. He has Pro Bowl experience and has been a winner since college and is not signing with the Bears to settle for mediocrity.
#2 T.J. Edwards, Linebacker
The Chicago Bears dipped into their excess cap room to snag Edwards - yet another playoff regular at linebacker - from the Philadelphia Eagles. Yes, they probably overpaid for him, but that's what you get when you attempt to lure a player away from a Super Bowl finalist to sign for a lottery side.
Edwards might be worth the expenditure, as he was the Eagles' leading tackler last year. He had break-ups and two sacks. He should have a seamless transition from Philadelphia's 4-3 defense to the similar scheme of Bears coach Matt Eberflus.
#3 Nate Davis, Guard
Finally, Justin Fields gets some protection at quarterback from a guard who knows his way around the offense. Nate Davis has that dawg in him and has been protecting elite QBs since joining the league in 2019. Remember the protection he afforded Derick Henry as he became a two-time league rushing leader?
Davis moved well and was one of the top guards available in free agency. He should be an excellent run blocker for the Bears' top-ranked rushing attack, and he has improved as a pass protector, which is where Fields needs help.
