The Chicago Bears managed to get themselves back under the salary cap with some restructured contracts. Now GM Ryan Pace continues his agenda of trying to keep some key in-house free agents. Already he franchise tagged Allen Robinson and secured kicker Cairo Santos to a five-year extension. Who would be next on the list? We finally have that answer.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the team reached a multi-year agreement with Mario Edwards Jr. This will make a lot of fans happy. Chicago signed the 27-year old last season on a one-year deal in hopes he’d become some quality depth for them. He exceeded expectations, racking up four sacks and three hits on opposing quarterbacks in a rotational role.
Now he gets a chance to continue in that role
Mario Edwards agrees to terms with Bears per source. New multi-year deal.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 14, 2021
DE Mario Edwards, who had four sacks last season for Chicago, is finalizing a three-year deal to remain with the Bears, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2021
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In other news: The #Bears have agreed to terms on a 3-year, $11.55M deal with DE Mario Edwards, source said. After bouncing around, he found his footing in Chicago with a new attitude and now will stick around.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2021
This move is no doubt in reaction to a number of other defensive linemen becoming free agents as well. The most notable being Roy Robertson-Harris. Expectations are he will sign elsewhere for a considerable amount of money. Steady veteran Brent Urban could also be gone unless he is willing to come back for cheap. Edwards clearly wanted to stay in Chicago after bouncing between teams since 2018.
What makes this move interesting is Edwards was facing charges for allegedly assaulting a woman last year during the Bears’ trip to North Carolina. Accusations he flatly denied and even argued were twisted from the real truth. That it was the woman who assaulted him. This move by the team is a pretty strong indication there is nothing to those charges and he should be ready to play this season.
So who could be next on the Chicago Bears list?
A lot of fans are likely hoping it will be Cordarrelle Patterson. The All-Pro kick returner remains without a new deal and has expressed a desire to stay multiple times. However, given what his previous contract cost that feels unlikely. One name worth watching is Germain Ifedi. Chicago has no starting right tackle after cutting Bobby Massie. Jason Spriggs is also free agent. Ifedi played decent in that spot last season after Massie got hurt. Retaining him might be wise.
Then there is also Tashaun Gipson. Another cheap addition to the defense in 2020, like Edwards the veteran safety performed above expectations with two interceptions. He was around the ball constantly all season. Returning is something he would prefer as well. Given his age it is likely he wouldn’t cost much to retain. So keep his name in mind.
The bigger question people have is what Edwards’ deal could mean.
It isn’t a secret the Chicago Bears have been connected to trade rumors most of the offseason. They have more salary cap moves coming. Is it possible one of them might involve somebody on the defensive line? Akiem Hicks would net $10.5 million in space if dealt. Perhaps locking up Edwards is a prelude to him being sent elsewhere. A way to keep the defensive line relatively steady with its best player leaving.
This is only speculation though. As of now, the defensive line is in great shape. Not only is Edwards staying put, but Eddie Goldman will also be resuming his role as the nose tackle in 2021. A huge boost for them.
