UPDATE: The Bears formally announced a two-year contract extension with linebacker T.J. Edwards on Thursday afternoon, keeping him with Chicago through the 2027 season.

“Our entire organization is excited for T.J. and his family,” general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement. “T.J. has had a positive impact on our organization over the last two years, both on and off the field. We are grateful to have T.J. as a member of the Chicago Bears Family, and we look forward to his continued leadership on our team.”

The Chicago Bears kept another key member of their defense Wednesday.

Linebacker T.J. Edwards, who has started in every game for Chicago the past two seasons, and the Bears have agreed on a two-year, $20 million contract extension with $16.6 million fully guaranteed, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported, citing sources.

As Marquee Sports Network Bears insider Scott Bair wrote Tuesday, Edwards has been deserving of an extension from general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears’ front office.

Edwards signed a three-year, $19.5 million contract with the Bears in 2023 to bring physicality back to the defense under then-coach Matt Eberflus. Edwards broke into the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019 and started 47 of 61 games with 385 total tackles (20 for loss), five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

The Lake Villa native has 284 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and four interceptions in his two seasons in Chicago.

The move came just three days after the Bears gave cornerback Kyler Gordon a three-year, $40 million extension. So, between Gordon and Edwards’ contracts, Poles has made it known that he values a player’s on-field production and locker-room leadership.