Chicago Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds had a solid 2025 campaign, leading the team in tackles while tying his career high in interceptions. The two-time Pro Bowler totaled 112 tackles, three TFLs, one sack, four interceptions, and nine pass deflections in 13 regular-season games, having missed four contests due to a groin injury. Edmunds also recorded 13 tackles and one pass deflection in the playoffs.
Also Read: The Bears Reveal 2x-Pro Bowl Linebackers Week 12 Status
Will his role on the Bears, who lead the NFL in takeaways last season, secure his spot on the roster this offseason?
The Chicago Bears’ LB is on the chopping block
Chicago Bears, Tremaine Edmunds
Aug 10, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) enters the field before a pre-season game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Tremaine Edmunds enters the final year of his deal and is scheduled to earn a $13.9 million base salary, a $1 million roster bonus due March 15, a $100,000 workout bonus, and a $17,437,500 cap hit, the fourth-highest cap charge by a linebacker in 2026, per Over The Cap. Given his hefty cap hit, the Bears’ current cap situation, and him not living up to the lucrative contract, the two-time Pro Bowler is strongly viewed as a cap casualty this offseason. With a pre-June 1st release, the Bears free up $15 million in cap space while incurring $2,437,500 in dead cap.
The Bears granted a 2x-Pro Bowler permission to seek trade
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles
Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles plays catch on the sideline before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
According to Ian Rapoport, the Bears have given Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade, hoping to receive draft compensation rather than cutting him outright. A trading team would inherit his base salary, roster bonus, and workout bonus, essentially a one-year, non-guaranteed $15 million contract. If a deal cannot be reached, Edmunds is expected to be released before March 15, when the $1 million roster bonus is due.
The #Bears have given LB Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade, sources say. A standout LB potentially available. pic.twitter.com/SswCf0pjCM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 25, 2026