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The Chicago Bears will release linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday.
It’s a money movement, it’s clear $15 million They’re in cap space just days before free agency begins.
Edmunds signed a four-year, $72 million contract when he joined the Bears as a free agent in 2023. He was entering the final year of his contract, but Chicago gave him permission to seek a trade on Feb. 25 (sources confirmed to ESPN). This was always a possible outcome if he couldn’t find a new home.
The numbers tell the story. Edmunds was paid a base salary of $13.9 million in 2026, plus a $1 million five-day roster bonus for the league year. His total cap hit was $17.9 million.
“We’re in a unique situation where we have a roster in a position where we have a lot of talented players, a lot of well-paid players, and a little bit of a cap constraint,” general manager Ryan Foles said when asked about Edmonds’ future at the NFL Combine. “So we have to make some tough decisions. And like I said, when we win games, those relationships are built. We have people in leadership or captaincy roles that mean a lot to our organization. But when you get into a corner, the league was and still is.”
On the field, Edmunds has been productive when healthy.
he led chicago 112 tackles Despite missing four games last season due to a groin injury. He also added nine passes defended, four interceptions, a sack and a fumble recovery during the regular season and recorded 13 tackles in the Bears’ two playoff games.
The move caps off a busy schedule for the Bears. On Thursday night, they shipped wide receiver DJ Moore and a fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2026 second-rounder. This followed the surprise retirement of center Drew Dalman on Wednesday.
All told, the three movements generate estimates. $44 million Chicago’s in cap space heading into free agency.
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