With Shaq Thompson and Matt Milano both approaching free agency at 32, and a new 3-4 scheme on the horizon for the Buffalo Bills' defense, GM Brandon Beane has some decisions to make regarding the inside linebacker position this offseason.
While the draft offers talent at linebacker, it's not as pressing as the Bills' needs at wide receiver and edge rusher. This means Beane could address the position through free agency or a trade, and recent developments have made the trade market particularly intriguing.
Tremaine Edmunds, a former Bills first-round pick, has reportedly been given the green light by the Chicago Bears to explore trade options. This news, reported by Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, opens up an interesting possibility for Buffalo.
Edmunds is entering the final year of his four-year, $72 million contract with no guaranteed money left, although he is due $15 million in 2026. During his three seasons with the Bears, Edmunds maintained his consistency, recording at least 110 tackles each year and improving his coverage skills with nine interceptions.
The prospect of Edmunds reuniting with Buffalo is intriguing, though his fit within the new scheme raises questions. Bills fans know Edmunds as a big, fast linebacker who excelled in Sean McDermott’s Cover 2 scheme.
In Chicago, he adapted to three different defensive coordinators, the latest being Dennis Allen, who runs a multiple-front 4-3 scheme. This versatility suggests Edmunds could handle the demands of a 3-4 scheme.
At 28, Edmunds is a seasoned veteran. Over the Cap values him at $7.3 million per season, a significant drop from his $18 million average with Chicago. This valuation might impact his trade value for Buffalo, but if a new contract is negotiated, Edmunds could be a reliable solution at linebacker.
Considering the free agent market is dominated by aging linebackers, Beane should seriously consider the possibility of bringing Edmunds back to Buffalo. His presence could provide defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard with a crucial asset in the middle of the defense.