Chicago Bears Release Tremaine Edmunds
The Chicago Bears have decided to release veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, according to sources. This strategic decision frees up $15 million in cap space for the Bears, just before the start of free agency. Edmunds, 27, was about to enter the final season of his four-year, $72 million contract, signed in 2023. Previously, he had been granted permission to seek an exchange, which ultimately did not materialize. Edmunds’ contract included a base salary of $13.9 million for 2026, with a roster bonus of $1 million to be paid on the fifth day of the league year. His cap hit was $17.9 million.In the previous season, Edmunds led the Bears with 112 tackles, in addition to nine passes defended, four interceptions, one sack, and one fumble recovery, despite missing four games due to a groin injury. He also added 13 tackles in Chicago’s two playoff games. The Bears’ week of moves continued with the trade of wide receiver DJ Moore and a fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick. This operation adds to the surprising retirement of center Drew Dalman on Wednesday. These three strategic decisions generate an estimated $44 million in salary cap space for the Bears.This is a unique situation where we have managed to have many talented players on our roster, many of them well-compensated, which imposes certain restrictions on the salary cap. Therefore, we have to make difficult decisions. And, as I said, when we win games, we create these relationships. There are leaders or captains who mean a lot to our organization. But when you find yourself in a corner, that’s how it has been and is the league.
Ryan Poles, Bears General Manager
