T.J. Edwards, the Chicago Bears’ vocal and cerebral leader at linebacker, is not one to mince words. When training camp rolls into full gear and the heat starts rising—both figuratively and literally—players like Edwards take center stage, not just with their play but with their presence. And this offseason, Edwards has made it clear: the competition for the third linebacker spot in Chicago’s defense is not just real, it’s personal. His fire, passion, and candid commentary have electrified the defensive unit and added a new layer of intensity to what many thought might be a mundane roster battle.
It’s easy to forget that just a year ago, Edwards was a new face in Chicago, fresh off a standout stint with the Philadelphia Eagles where he became one of the league’s most dependable tackling machines. Since his arrival, he’s not only matched expectations—he’s elevated them. On the field, he’s an extension of the coaching staff, diagnosing plays before they develop, closing down gaps, and rallying his teammates in crunch time. Off the field, he’s emerged as the conscience of the defense, setting the tone for effort, preparation, and accountability. So when he speaks, everyone listens.
And this week, Edwards made it very clear: the third linebacker job isn’t just a depth chart line—it’s a measuring stick for the team’s attitude. He didn’t hold back as he addressed the media and his teammates about what this competition represents, who’s rising to the challenge, and what’s at stake.
“We’ve got a lot of guys fighting for one spot,” Edwards said following a scorching midweek practice. “And it’s not just about who can run the fastest or hit the hardest. It’s about who’s gonna do the little things—who’s gonna study, take the coaching, and deliver when it counts. We need someone who’s not just gonna fill space, but someone we can trust when the lights come on.”
That kind of candid insight is classic Edwards. He’s not interested in sugarcoating or empty praise. For him, the third linebacker role—typically the SAM spot in Matt Eberflus’ defense—is about more than physical tools. It’s about being smart, adaptable, and aggressive. And this year, that role might be more important than ever.
With Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds locked into the weakside and middle linebacker spots respectively, the Bears are seeking a dependable third option to round out the linebacker corps—especially in base 4-3 sets or against run-heavy teams. But it’s not a simple fill-in-the-blank equation. The Bears’ defense thrives on communication and synchronicity, which means whoever wins the job must seamlessly blend into a unit already loaded with high-IQ, high-effort players. That, Edwards insists, is why this competition matters so much.
“You can’t just walk in and think you’re gonna slide into this defense,” he added. “This ain’t college. This ain’t high school. This is the league, and we’re trying to be great. That means holding every single guy to a high standard.”
So who’s in the mix? At least three names have drawn attention during the early stages of camp: Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell, and rookie Trevin Wallace.
Sanborn, the local product and undrafted gem from Wisconsin, turned heads last season when he stepped into a starting role and played with heart, smarts, and surprising sideline-to-sideline quickness. Though injuries slowed him down, his toughness and work ethic earned him Edwards’ respect.
“Jack? Man, Jack’s a dog,” Edwards said with a smile. “He just gets it. You tell him once, and he’s doing it. That’s the kind of player you want next to you.”
Then there’s Noah Sewell, the second-year pro out of Oregon, whose build and athletic profile scream NFL linebacker but whose game is still evolving. He’s shown flashes—explosive hits, quick reads—but consistency has been the challenge. Edwards doesn’t shy away from the truth.
“Noah’s got all the tools. That’s not the question,” Edwards said. “What we’re looking for now is that next step. Can he be in the right place every time? Can he communicate, adjust, adapt? That’s where he can really help this team.”
But perhaps the most intriguing name is rookie Trevin Wallace, the explosive linebacker from Kentucky who was a mid-round pick but is already turning heads with his burst and range. Wallace has a lot to prove, but the potential is there. And Edwards, ever the teacher and evaluator, is watching closely.
“Trevin’s learning fast. He’s got that speed, that twitch—you can see it. The question is, how fast can he put it all together? This camp’s gonna show us a lot.”
To hear Edwards talk about his teammates is to hear someone deeply invested in the process, someone who cares not just about winning games but about building a culture. For him, this competition is about setting the tone for the entire season. The Bears’ defense was uneven last year, dealing with injuries, inconsistency, and learning curves. But with a revamped roster and another year in Eberflus’ system, expectations are rising. And that starts with nailing down roles like the third linebacker spot.
“You can’t have any weak links,” Edwards said plainly. “Because when teams find one, they’ll go after it again and again. We’re not letting that happen.”
Inside Halas Hall, coaches echo that sentiment. Defensive coordinator Eric Washington, who joined the Bears this offseason, has emphasized the need for players to own their roles and compete with purpose. He’s leaned on leaders like Edwards and Edmunds to push the locker room forward.
“What T.J. brings is leadership without fluff,” Washington noted earlier this week. “He holds guys accountable, but he’s also the first one in the film room and the last one to leave. That’s infectious. And it raises the level of everyone around him.”
For now, the battle rages on. Sanborn brings savvy and motor. Sewell brings size and ceiling. Wallace brings juice and hunger. And Edwards? He brings the standard.
Throughout practice, Edwards can be seen directing traffic, correcting alignments, and barking encouragement. When a young linebacker makes a mistake, Edwards isn’t berating them—he’s coaching them, sometimes even demonstrating the correction himself. He moves with purpose, talks with intent, and plays with a level of control that only comes from deep understanding and obsessive preparation.
But make no mistake: he wants that third linebacker to rise to the occasion. And he’s made it clear that whoever earns the job won’t be handed anything.
“I don’t care who it is,” Edwards said. “Just be the guy we can count on. Be the guy who’s gonna run through a wall, take coaching, and never stop grinding. That’s who we need.”
For Bears fans, that kind of internal competition is exactly what they want to see. The franchise is entering a new chapter, with hopes of turning promise into playoff contention. And if the defense is going to be the driving force, then every piece—from All-Pros to role players—must fit with precision.
In that sense, the third linebacker battle is a microcosm of the entire team. It’s a story about depth, development, and dogged determination. And through it all, T.J. Edwards stands at the center—not just as a player, but as a standard-bearer.
“I love this team,” he said as he wrapped up his media session. “I love what we’re building. And I’m not gonna let it slide just because a job ain’t flashy. Every job matters. Every play counts. And whoever’s gonna take that job better be ready to roll.”
As the pads keep popping and the reps keep stacking, the Bears’ third linebacker competition is delivering drama, growth, and grit. And thanks to the candid fire of a player like T.J. Edwards, it’s doing something even more important—raising the bar.
