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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 09: Theo Johnson #84 of the New York Giants makes a reception defended by Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Chicago Bears during the second quarter in the game at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears’ decision to move on from a longtime defensive starter did not leave him waiting long in free agency.
Just days after being released by Chicago, the veteran defender has found a new home.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the New York Giants are signing formerBears starter Tremaine Edmunds to a three-year contract worth $36 million with $23.7 million fully guaranteed.
The move ends Edmunds’ tenure in Chicago after three seasons. It immediately gives the Giants a proven veteran presence in the middle of their defense.
For the Bears, the move shows how quickly the market can develop once free agency begins. Even players released for salary cap reasons can draw immediate interest from other teams.
Bears Created Cap Flexibility With Edmunds Release
Chicago made the decision to release Edmunds last week, a move designed to create financial flexibility heading into NFL free agency.
The move cleared roughly $15 million in salary cap space for the Bears, allowing the front office to pursue other roster upgrades as the offseason begins.
Edmunds originally joined Chicago in 2023 on a four-year, $72 million contract after previously spending the early part of his career with the Buffalo Bills.
During his three seasons in Chicago, the former first-round pick remained a steady presence in the defense. Last season alone he recorded 112 tackles, four interceptions, nine pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
This continued a career trend of consistent production.
Across eight NFL seasons, Edmunds has surpassed 100 tackles every year. He has also totaled more than 900 career tackles, 14 interceptions and nearly 60 pass breakups.
Despite that production, Chicago ultimately chose to move in a different direction as the team reshapes its defense this offseason.
Giants Quickly Land Veteran Defensive Leader
For New York, the signing fills a clear need.
The Giants had been searching for a veteran presence at inside linebacker following recent roster changes.
Edmunds provides both experience and durability for the defense.
The 6-foot-4 defender has started 119 regular-season games during his career and has long been viewed as one of the league’s more reliable tackling machines.
There is also a notable connection behind the move. Giants general manager Joe Schoen was part of the Buffalo front office when Edmunds was originally drafted in the first round in 2018, making the veteran a familiar name within the organization.
Ultimately, what once appeared to be a potential trade scenario turned into a straightforward free agency signing.
For the Bears, the move officially closes the chapter on Edmunds’ time in Chicago.
The Bears have already used some of that cap space created by Edmunds’ release, signing Coby Bryant and Devin Bush earlier Monday.
More defensive moves appear to be in the near future for Ryan Poles and the Bears.