Chicago Bears Release Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds

The Chicago Bears have officially released linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. This decision comes just days before the start of free agency and is aimed at creating $15 million in salary cap space for the team. Edmunds, who is set to turn 28 in May, had one year remaining on his four-year, $72 million contract signed in 2023. The Bears had previously allowed him to seek a trade, but no deal materialized.

NBC Sports

During his tenure with the Bears, Edmunds was a significant contributor on defense, leading the team with 112 tackles in the previous season, alongside four interceptions and nine passes defensed. He consistently surpassed the 100-tackle mark in each of his three seasons with Chicago. His performance peaked early in the 2025 season, where he excelled in a new weakside linebacker role under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, showcasing his speed and agility.

USA Today

The release of Edmunds is part of a broader strategy by the Bears to manage their salary cap effectively. Following the trade of wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, which also aimed to free up cap space, the Bears now have approximately $44 million available. General Manager Ryan Poles acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a competitive roster within the constraints of the salary cap, stating, “This is a unique situation where we’ve gotten our roster in a position where we have a lot of talented players... and that puts some constraints on the cap.”

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While the decision to release Edmunds was anticipated, it has drawn mixed reactions. Some analysts argue that letting go of a player with his experience and production could weaken the Bears' defense, especially as they prepare for the upcoming season. Critics emphasize that the Bears may need to bolster their linebacker corps through free agency or the draft to fill the void left by Edmunds.

Elburn Herald

With Edmunds now a free agent, there is expected to be significant interest from other teams, given his track record and age. The Bears will need to act quickly to address their linebacker needs, as well as other positions, to ensure they remain competitive in the upcoming season.

NBC Sports

• “Bears are releasing former Pro-Bowl LB Tremaine Edmunds, per sources,” — Adam Schefter, ESPN

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• “So we got to make some tough decisions. And, you know, like I said, when we win games, you create these relationships. There's leadership guys or guys that were captains that mean a lot to our organization. But when you're kind of put in a corner, that's what league's been and has been.” — Ryan Poles, General Manager, Chicago Bears

ESPN

The release of Tremaine Edmunds marks a pivotal moment for the Chicago Bears as they navigate roster changes and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming NFL season.

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