The Chicago Bears are facing a few big decisions this offseason. While the team needs to address the safety room and figure out what to do at pass rusher, there are a few big trade candidates the Bears need to figure out as well.
DJ Moore is the most obvious one, as the veteran wide receiver could be dealt this offseason if the right offer is made. But, Tyson Bagent could also be on the move, as could Cole Kmet. The Bears need to clear some cap space, and those veterans all could be dealt.
But, a different veteran, $72 million linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, is another possible cap casualty. And amid such trade/cut speculation with Edmunds, according to Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune, the Bears have made a big decision on Edmunds' future.
Bears make big Tremaine Edmunds trade decision
"The Bears have granted permission for LB Tremaine Edmunds to seek a trade, according to a league source," Biggs reports. "... Will be interesting to see if the Bears can attract an offer."
With Edmunds potentially on his way out to save cap space, the Bears have given the veteran linebacker the ability to seek out a trade this offseason.
He's in the middle of a $72 million four-year deal, and would save the Bears a little over $12 million if they cut him this offseason.
But, in an ideal world, the Bears would be able to trade him this offseason for any value. That would mean the Bears get even a little something in return for moving on from Edmunds, while also saving a ton of cap space as well.
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Edmunds is an eight-year NFL veteran and is only 27 years old. He has 14 interceptions in his career and has made two Pro Bowls, both coming with the Buffalo Bills in 2019 and 2020.
This past season, Edmunds had nine passes defended to go with four interceptions, one sack, and 112 total tackles. He's had at least 100 tackles in every season of his career.
While the Bears could simply cut him to save cap space, they're giving Edmunds the chance to explore trades this offseason. While it might not be easy to find a suitor who's willing to spend $17,437,500 on Edmunds, any trade would be worth it.
There's likely to be interest, but to what extent is left to be determined. But this trade decision from the Bears, letting Edmunds seek out a trade fit, is a sign that the veteran linebacker's time in Chicago is coming to an end this offseason, one way or another.
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