Will Tremaine Edmunds become the Chicago Bears’ next great linebacker?

The Chicago Bears have had a slew of legendary linebackers. Tremaine Edmunds could be next in line.

Edmunds signed a four-year $72 million deal ($50 million guaranteed) with the Bears earlier this offseason.

The former Virginia Tech Hokie was selected 16th overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent five seasons in Buffalo, collecting a total of 565 tackles (32 for loss), 6.5 sacks, 35 passes defended, five interceptions and two forced fumbles.

Edmunds has recorded over 100 tackles in each of his five seasons, including a career-high 121 as a rookie. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019 and 2020.

Signing Edmunds fills a hole for the Bears that was created when Roquan Smith was traded to the Baltimore Ravens at last season's trade deadline.

Edmunds, along with T.J. Edwards, will help improve the team's defense. The Bears had one of the NFL's worst defenses last season.

Revisiting legendary Chicago Bears linebackers of the past

Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher

When compiling the "Greatest Player in Chicago Bears History" list, you would definitely include a running back like Walter Payton or a tight end like Mike Ditka. It is impossible to forget the franchise's legendary linebackers.

Dick Butkus is undoubtedly the greatest linebacker in franchise history. He played with the team from 1965 to 1973, accumulating eight Pro Bowl and five first-team All-Pro selections. The Chicago native is regarded as one of the most intimidating defensive players in pro football history.

Mike Singletary spent 12 seasons in Chicago, winning two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and being selected to 10 Pro Bowls. "Samurai Mike" also helped the team win Super Bowl XX, serving as a member of arguably the greatest defense ever.

Drafted by the Bears in 2000, Brian Urlacher played his entire 13-year career in the Windy City. The former New Mexico star was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2000 and won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2005. He also led the team to Super Bowl XLI. Unfortunately, they lost 29-17 to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

Other great Bears linebackers include Bill George, Lance Briggs, George Connor and Doug Buffone.

Tremaine Edmunds obviously hasn't played a down for the Bears yet. Once it's all said and done, he could become the franchise's next legendary linebacker. However, it will take quite a long time before that comes to fruition.