Andrew Buller-Russ
After a breakthrough season in Ben Johnson’s first year as head coach, the Chicago Bears are once again trying to take the next step in their development. Winners of the NFC North this season, the Bears are confident that they can compete for a playoff spot again in 2026, but they may feel compelled to make some changes first.
Yet, Bears general manager Ryan Poles is already working the phone lines this offseason.
According to the Chicago Tribune‘s Brad Biggs, the Bears have given linebacker Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade. The two-time Pro Bowler signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Bears as a free agent in 2026. Now he’s owed $15 million for 2026, the final year of his contract.
“The Bears have granted permission for LB Tremaine Edmunds to seek a trade, according to a league source. He’s under contract for the ’26 season at $15M. Still young and was Pro Bowl-caliber player thru first 10 games before minor injury. Finished year healthy. Led D in tackles.”
The Athletic on Tremaine Edmunds
Edmunds, 27, has had over 100 tackles in all eight seasons of his career. Despite only making it through 13 games in 2025, Edmunds still led the Bears with 112 tackles.
After selecting linebacker Noah Sewell in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, it’s possible the Bears turn over their defense to the 23-year-old for 2026. They also have 29-year-old veteran mainstay T.J. Edwards as the other starting linebacker in Chicago. Of course, the Bears could look to add another linebacker to help make up for Edmunds’ expected departure.
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