As the Chicago Bears shift into offseason mode, the front office finds itself staring down a series of pivotal decisions - the kind that could reshape the roster and determine whether this team is ready to take that next leap toward playoff contention in 2026.
Among the more eye-catching possibilities? The idea that the Bears could move on from either tight end Cole Kmet or wide receiver DJ Moore - or even both.
While that might raise some eyebrows among fans, there’s a financial logic behind it. Trading either player could free up significant cap space, giving the Bears more flexibility to address other areas of need.
And while cutting players with trade value rarely makes sense, exploring trade options for high-profile names like Kmet and Moore isn't off the table.
But those two aren’t the only names being discussed when it comes to potential cap casualties.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds - who just wrapped up a strong 2025 campaign - has also surfaced as a possible odd man out. In a conversation on 104.3 The Score, Herb Howard pointed to Edmunds as a player to watch, largely due to the structure of his contract. With very little guaranteed money left and a hefty $17.4 million cap hit looming, the Bears could clear $15 million by moving on from him via trade or release.
That’s not an easy call, especially considering Edmunds' production last season. He led the team with 112 tackles, added four interceptions, and broke up nine passes - a clear impact player in the middle of the defense.
If the Bears are going to entertain the idea of parting ways with him, they’ll need a solid replacement plan in place. And that’s where things start to get interesting.
Enter Demario Davis.
Greg Auman recently updated his list of the top 100 free agents for 2026, and he’s predicting that Davis - ranked No. 60 - could land in Chicago if Edmunds is moved. That’s more than just a speculative fit.
Davis, now 37, is fresh off a monster season with the Saints, where he set a career high with 143 tackles. He’s defying the aging curve at a position that usually sees players fade in their early 30s, not thrive.
What makes Davis such a compelling option isn’t just his production - though six straight seasons with over 1,000 defensive snaps and a top-10 Pro Football Focus grade in six of the last seven years speaks volumes. It’s also the familiarity he has with Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
The two go way back to their days in New Orleans, where Allen coached Davis from 2018 through 2023. Under Allen’s guidance, Davis became one of the league’s most consistent and respected linebackers, racking up All-Pro honors and Pro Bowl nods while anchoring the Saints’ defense.
From 2019 to 2023, Davis was a model of consistency: over 100 tackles each season, double-digit tackles for loss every year, and at least four sacks in four of those five campaigns. That kind of production, paired with elite leadership and a deep knowledge of Allen’s system, makes him an ideal plug-and-play option if the Bears decide to move on from Edmunds.
Of course, Davis will have options. He’s made it clear he wants to play for a contender, and with 227 career games under his belt but just five playoff appearances (two wins), he’s earned the right to chase a ring. But if the Bears can present a compelling vision - one that includes a familiar scheme, a respected coach, and a defense on the rise - they could be right in the mix.
At the end of the day, the Bears’ decision on Edmunds isn’t just about cap space. It’s about what comes next. If Davis is truly on the radar, and if Allen still sees that same fire in his former linebacker, this could be a seamless transition that keeps the defense humming - and maybe even elevates it.
Chicago has the pieces. Now it’s about making the right calls. The kind of calls that turn playoff hopefuls into legitimate contenders.