The NFL is abuzz with the potential trade of Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who is in high demand. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, three teams are actively pursuing the 27-year-old linebacker, who was once a cornerstone of the Buffalo Bills' defense. But here's where it gets interesting: the Bears are now looking to recoup some of the $15 million base salary due to Edmunds in 2026, which was not guaranteed.
Edmunds, who was drafted by the Bills in the first round out of Virginia Tech in 2018, signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Bears that included $50 million guaranteed. He's entering the final year of that deal and is set to make a base salary of $15 million in 2026. In 2025, Edmunds appeared in 13 games and recorded 112 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, one fumble recovery, four interceptions, and nine pass deflections.
The Raiders, Titans, and Giants are all interested in making a big move at linebacker, and the Bears are now looking to capitalize on the trade market. With the deadline approaching, the Bears are hoping to get something back for Edmunds, who has been a key player for the team. But will they be able to find a suitable trade partner? And what does this mean for the future of the Bears' defense? These are the questions that remain to be answered as the trade market heats up.
