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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 23: Defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts after a tackle against the Arizona Cardinals during first half of the NFL preseason 2025 game at State Farm Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears made another significant roster move Thursday night when they released veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. This decision could have ripple effects across the team’s offseason plans.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Bears are moving on from Edmunds after three seasons in Chicago. This immediately creates roughly $15 million in salary cap space as the organization prepares for the start of NFL free agency.
“Bears are releasing former Pro Bowl LB Tremaine Edmunds,” Schefter wrote on social media. “Edmunds has been a full time starter in each of his eight NFL seasons, and he now will become a free agent with 900 tackles on his resume.”
The timing of the move stands out. Chicago has already made several aggressive decisions this week to create financial flexibility, including the surprising trade that sent wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills earlier Thursday morning.
Ben Devine
In two moves today, the Bears have cleared $31.5 million in salary cap space. Before free agency begins Monday, the Bears are currently $35+ million UNDER the salary cap – before any contract restructures.
Taken together, those moves have opened significant cap space just days before free agency begins. At the same time, speculation continues to build around a potential blockbuster trade involving Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
Bears Create Major Cap Flexibility
The release of Edmunds is part of a larger effort by general manager Ryan Poles to reshape the roster heading into the 2026 season.
Edmunds was one of the higher paid defenders on the Bears’ roster.
His release clears $15 million in cap space that can now be redirected toward other priorities. Combined with the cap relief created by trading Moore, the Bears have dramatically improved their financial flexibility entering one of the most active periods of the NFL offseason.
Those resources could prove critical if Chicago decides to pursue a major acquisition such as a trade for Crosby.
Edmunds had been a productive player during his time in Chicago. Despite missing time last season due to injury, he still finished with 112 total tackles. He also continued his streak of recording at least 100 tackles in every year of his career.
Still, the financial savings associated with the move may ultimately prove more significant than his on field impact.
Bears-Maxx Crosby Trade Speculation Continues
The Bears’ recent moves have fueled increasing speculation that the team is positioning itself for a potential blockbuster trade involving Raiders star Maxx Crosby.
Chicago has emerged as the betting favorite to land Crosby.
The 28-year-old remains one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the NFL. However, he carries a contract worth more than $30 million per season.
Any team pursuing a trade for him would need both the salary cap flexibility to absorb that contract and the draft capital to meet what is expected to be a massive asking price from the Raiders.
Chicago appears to be building toward both requirements.
By releasing Edmunds and trading Moore earlier this week, the Bears have cleared more than $30 million in cap space while also adding an additional second round draft pick from Buffalo.
Those assets could become critical pieces of a potential trade package in negotiations with Las Vegas.
Edmunds had previously surfaced in speculation as a possible piece that could be included in a trade offer. With the Bears instead choosing to release him, Chicago now gains immediate financial flexibility that could help facilitate a deal involving Crosby’s contract.
If there was any possibility of a Crosby trade, releasing Edmunds was a necessary step. The move could represent one of the first steps toward creating the financial and roster flexibility needed for one of the biggest trades of the NFL offseason.