The linebacking duo of T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds represented one of the more stable elements of the Chicago Bears' defense in 2025. When the team chose to move on from Edmunds ahead of this offseason, an immediate priority began finding a new running mate for Edwards.
That arrived in the form of Devin Bush, for whom Edwards has already offered some notable praise. As a key cog in this defense, there are a couple of things for which you're looking out of a linebacker set to play a central role. You want the logistical side fulfilled and the intangibles sorted.
As far as the former goes, Edwards said that Bush is “constantly around the ball” and is “a guy who just really understands the game and has a good feel for what we’re trying to do
schematically, which always him to play fast.” Consider that box checked.
Then there's the matter of the less concrete qualities you need out of a linebacker. Especially for a defensive unit pressed into some turnover and facing a handful of injuries early on. Bush appears to have that fulfilled, too.
“You just see his instincts and his ability to get to the ball,” Edwards said, “it really is great for our room because that’s what we’re supposed to do—just hit the ball every play. He’s been awesome to have and a guy that just loves football and brings a lot of character to the room. It’s been great.”
Now it's just a matter of hoping this all translates into success on the field. Bush is coming off the best year of his seven-year career, having recorded 125 tackles, three interceptions (two returned for scores), and a pair of fumble recoveries in 2025. While Tremaine Edmunds had turned in a strong final year with the Bears, it's clear that there shouldn't be too much of a dropoff for the linebacking corps given Edwards' new running mate in Devin Bush. Edwards, without saying as much, certainly doesn't think so.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: T.J. Edwards sounds off on new Bears LB Devin Bush
