Overview
- Chicago granted Edmunds permission to seek a trade on Feb. 25, but no deal emerged before Thursday’s decision.
- Releasing the 27-year-old frees about $15 million for 2026 after he was set for a $13.9 million base salary and $1 million roster bonus under a four-year, $72 million pact.
- The Bears also traded DJ Moore to the Bills and processed center Drew Dalman’s retirement this week, pushing total new flexibility to an estimated $44 million, according to ESPN.
- Edmunds, a two-time Pro Bowler, led Chicago with 112 tackles in 13 games last season and has recorded at least 100 tackles in each of his eight NFL seasons.
- His exit leaves a clear need at off-ball linebacker for Chicago as T.J. Edwards rehabs a fractured fibula, Noah Sewell recovers from an Achilles injury, and D’Marco Jackson hits free agency; potential suitors for Edmunds include the Titans, Raiders, Giants and possibly the Bills, depending on price.