Coming off a remarkable season, the Chicago Bears find themselves at a crossroads with several key roster decisions that could shape their future. With members of their secondary hitting free agency and trade talks swirling around receiver DJ Moore, the Bears are also contemplating an extension for star right tackle Darnell Wright.
But there's a catch-the Bears are $4 million over the salary cap, with limited cash to maneuver. Cutting a veteran linebacker could be the solution to their financial puzzle.
The Case for Releasing Tremaine Edmunds
In 2023, the Bears signed Tremaine Edmunds to a hefty four-year, $72 million deal, making him one of the top-paid linebackers in the league. Now, with one year left and no guaranteed money remaining, releasing him could save the Bears $15 million in cap space and cash.
Edmunds has been solid but not spectacular. Ranked 27th in defensive grade by Pro Football Focus last year, he’s been effective against the run, missing less than 9% of tackles and posting a 7.8% run stop rate in 2025. However, his coverage skills have lagged, allowing nearly 80% catch rates and over a yard per coverage snap, with minimal pass-rush impact.
By releasing Edmunds, the Bears can free up crucial funds and explore more cost-effective replacements.
Free Agent Options
This year's free agent linebacker pool offers depth, even if the top-tier options like Nakobe Dean, Devin Lloyd, and Quay Walker come with hefty price tags. However, there are valuable players available who won’t break the bank.
Alex Anzalone, despite his age, remains a versatile linebacker with solid run defense and better coverage potential than Edmunds. He’s also a more budget-friendly option.
Devin Bush, who excelled last year, could bring significant upside to the Bears' defense and still offer savings compared to Edmunds.
Then there’s Leo Chenal, a young, cost-effective option from Kansas City, known for his pass-rushing prowess-a skill set Edmunds hasn’t provided in Chicago.
Each of these players could deliver quality performances while helping the Bears manage their finances more effectively.
The 2026 NFL Draft
Complementing the free agent market is a promising crop of linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft. Standouts like Ohio State's Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Georgia's C.J. Allen are expected to be first-round picks.
Beyond them, players like Arizona State's Keyshaun Elliott and Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez offer well-rounded skills suited to today’s NFL.
The draft also features diverse talents in the early-to-mid rounds. Texas' Anthony Hill Jr. is a favorite among analysts, while Cincinnati’s Jake Golday offers intriguing pass-rushing and coverage abilities, though he needs to improve his run defense.
Alabama's Justin Jefferson brings intense energy, and Missouri's Jeremiah Trotter is a formidable run defender who could replicate much of Edmunds’ role in Chicago.
This year’s draft is rich with linebacker talent, making it an opportune time for the Bears to find a strong, budget-friendly addition to their roster. With financial constraints and the looming extension for Caleb Williams, releasing a good-but-not-great linebacker like Edmunds seems like a savvy move for the Bears.