NFL free agency: Chicago Bears to sign former Eagles linebacker T.J. Edwards to three-year deal

The Chicago Bears are signing Philadelphia Eagles linebacker TJ Edwards to a three-year, $19.5 million deal to kick off free agency, according to Ian Rapoport.

Edwards, an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin in the 2019 draft class, had the best season of his career this year with the Philadelphia Eagles.

On the way to the Super Bowl, the former Badger posted 159 total tackles, 99 solo tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery in the regular season. He added 13 tackles in the postseason.

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The Bears are adding a valuable defensive play-maker and the free agency window is just beginning.

More on the 2023 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2023 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 15. At that time, contracts running through 2022 officially run out, making those players free agents.

Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 7. Beginning March 13 through March 15 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office.

April 21 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 26, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits.