Tremaine Edmunds was the biggest signing of the 2023 free agency period for the Chicago Bears. It’s not hard to understand why. The 24-year-old is a freak of nature at 6’5 with long arms and 4.5 speed. He already made two Pro Bowls and still has room to grow as a player. He’s a perfect fit for what Matt Eberflus wants at middle linebacker. The curious part is what motivated Edmunds to choose the Bears. Sure, the large contract probably played a significant factor in his motivation, but it’s rarely just about the money.
Chicago is coming off one of its worst seasons in franchise history. It’s clear they’re in the middle of a full rebuild. One would think a veteran like Edmunds, who is used to constant trips to the playoffs from his time in Buffalo, would prefer to join a team poised for a deep run. He was asked about his decision on NFL Total Access. It was here that fans got a look inside the mind of Edmunds the person. This is a guy that doesn’t believe in taking the easy way. He prefers a challenge.
It’s getting easier to see why the Bears love Tremaine Edmunds.
His physical ability alone makes him worth the price. However, it is becoming apparent he brings so much more to the table as a leader. When a guy openly says he wants to go somewhere he could accelerate a rebuild, you know he’s a different kind of person. The Bears knew they needed somebody like that in the middle of their defense. It was happy fortune that Buffalo chose to let him walk rather than reward what had been years of excellent play. Now Chicago stands to reap the benefits.
Reports out of OTAs and minicamps indicate Tremaine Edmunds has wasted no time taking command of the defense. He’s making plays and becoming a vocal presence everybody listens to. When you have his ability and experience, that tends to happen. While he might not transform this unit overnight into a top 10 defense, there is no doubt his arrival makes them immediately better. With his personality setting the tone, the sense of urgency will be high from the outset.
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@Russell….I agree with you about whats going on here and Poles’s moves so far but i NEVER heard or believed a player that said , especially coming from a Super Bowl contending team, that they would rather play for a rebuilding team. Its all about the $$$. Dont expect Edmunds to say that. The Bears offered him the most money. Plain and simple. Hell Poles is ridiculed for this signing by the NFL media. That being said, I like Edmunds and his play on the field im sure us Bears fans with enjoy and embrace him. Heres to a good… Read more »
@Irish. You’re NOT wrong… and that’s EXACTLY why us loyal bear fans should already LOVE this guy. His comment about coming to a rebuild was absolutely unsolicited… so it wasn’t like he was just saying it to endear himself. I believe him. I’m not gonna say we are a TOP 10 or SB bound… in 2023. I believe it’s gonna take 1 more offseason of GREAT moves b4 we are playoff relevant. Poles has already proven is a future thinking GM…and he doesn’t just follow the ‘way it IS” philosophy. He thinks outside of the NORMAL… not because he THINKS… Read more »
The Bears will be a top 10 D this year.
“Sure, the large contract probably played a significant factor in his motivation, but it’s rarely just about the money.”…….Bullshit. this is the NFL, majority of the players are about the money
Babysteps Gator Joe. Even the Buffalo defense had to start somewhere