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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 06: Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Chicago Bears in action against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on October 06, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos may have just been handed an unexpected opportunity to address one of their biggest offseason needs.
According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, the Chicago Bears have granted linebacker Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade:
“The Chicago Bears have granted linebacker Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade, a source confirmed to ESPN,” Cronin reported from the NFL Scouting Combine.
That update could interest the Broncos.
The Broncos are staring at potential turnover at inside linebacker with both Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad set to hit free agency. While general manager George Paton has emphasized flexibility this offseason, the room currently lacks proven long-term certainty.
Edmunds, a former first round pick who has topped 100 tackles in every NFL season of his career, suddenly represents a realistic solution.
Former First-Round Pick Offers Broncos Proven Production
At age 27, Edmunds is entering the final year of the four-year, $72 million deal he signed with Chicago in 2023.
He carries a $17.9 million cap hit for 2026. However, none of his remaining salary is guaranteed. If the Bears cannot find a trade partner, they are widely expected to release him to create cap space.
That dynamic could work in Denver’s favor.
Edmunds led the Bears with 112 tackles in 2025, despite missing four games with a groin injury.
In eight NFL seasons, the Buffalo Bills former first-round pick has recorded 900 total tackles, 14 interceptions and 59 passes defended.
Inside linebacker is one of the Broncos’ biggest needs this offseason, something general manager George Paton has already acknowledged.
Denver knows it has to address the middle of its defense. There is uncertainty in the room and not enough proven depth under contract. That puts real pressure on the front office to find a dependable starter.
Adding an experienced three down linebacker would help right away. It would stabilize the position and give the defense a steady presence in the middle.
Edmunds would not be a splashy move at this stage of his career. But he is consistent, with size, range and a long track record of production.
Chicago’s Cap Crunch Could Benefit the Broncos
Bears general manager Ryan Poles acknowledged this week that the team must make “tough decisions” to create cap space. Releasing Edmunds would free up roughly $15 million for Chicago. That financial reality gives interested teams leverage in negotiations.
Denver currently has the flexibility to explore multiple avenues at linebacker, including free agency and the draft. However, the trade market often presents value opportunities when a player’s current team is motivated by cap considerations.
If the compensation cost is modest, Edmunds could allow the Broncos to secure a proven starter without committing long-term guaranteed money. Denver could then still add youth through the 2026 NFL Draft to reshape the position group for the future.
This feels like the kind of move Paton would at least look into.
A former first-round pick with consistent production does not become available often, especially at a clear position of need.