Bears’ 719-Tackle ‘Defensive Engine’ Dubbed Surprise Trade Candidate

The Chicago Bears still have several months before the start of the 2026 season, which means speculation surrounding potential roster moves is only going to continue ramping up.

One recent idea that has surfaced involves veteran linebacker T.J. Edwards. 

Edwards was surprisingly named as a possible trade candidate by Jacob Infante of PFSN. While the suggestion raised eyebrows because of Edwards’ importance to Chicago’s defense, it also highlighted how the Bears are continuing to reshape their roster under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

Infante pointed to the organization’s growing emphasis on speed and versatility defensively as one possible reason Edwards could theoretically become expendable.

“The Chicago Bears have shown a preference towards adding speed on defense, which is a mantra that T.J. Edwards doesn’t necessarily meet,” Infante wrote. “His 77.1 PFSN LB Impact Score is the worst score he’s had since 2020, and he’s been a liability for them in coverage.”

Even with those concerns, Edwards still remains one of the most productive defenders on Chicago’s roster. The veteran linebacker has piled up 719 career tackles across seven NFL seasons and has consistently been viewed as one of the emotional leaders of the defense.

Infante added that a linebacker-needy team could potentially offer a Day 3 draft pick in exchange for the veteran.

Bears Would Be Taking Massive Risk Without T.J. Edwards

While the trade speculation created discussion, moving Edwards would leave the Bears with a major problem in the middle of their defense.

Chicago already made one significant change at linebacker earlier this offseason when the team moved on from Tremaine Edmunds. That decision increased Edwards’ importance even more heading into 2026, especially with newcomer Devin Bush expected to play a major role alongside him.

If Edwards were traded, the Bears would suddenly be relying heavily on D’Marco Jackson, who has just four career starts entering the season.

Behind that group, the depth chart remains largely unproven. Ruben Hyppolite, Noah Sewell, Nephi Sewell and rookie Keyshaun Elliott are all competing for roster spots. However, none of these guys have established themselves as reliable every-down starters at the NFL level.

Simply put, Chicago may not currently have the depth necessary to comfortably move on from one of its defensive leaders.

Veteran Linebacker Expected Back by Bears Training Camp

Another factor working against any possible trade is Edwards’ health situation.

The 29-year-old appeared in only 10 games last season after battling injuries throughout the year. He eventually returned late in the season before suffering a fractured fibula during Chicago’s wild-card game.

Still, Edwards recently expressed confidence that he is progressing well in his recovery process.

“I feel great,” Edwards told reporters in April. “Working really hard every day. Feel like I’m in a really good spot come summertime. I’ll be ready to go out there with my teammates.”

That recovery timeline likely matters significantly if Chicago were even considering trade conversations. Teams would almost certainly want to see Edwards fully healthy before offering meaningful compensation.

At least for now, though, all signs continue pointing toward Edwards remaining in Chicago entering the 2026 season. 

Despite questions about speed and coverage ability, the Bears may simply need his experience, leadership and production too much to realistically consider moving him before Week 1.

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