NFC contender the Chicago Bears may trade $72 million starter linebacker Tremaine Edmunds this offseason. According to a report, the Virginia Tech product was probably one of the best signings but his time might be up soon. He was able to ink a four-year, $72 million deal last season but the Bears could be moving on early after a disappointing 2023 campaign. Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport made a list of one player from each team they should consider “trading.”
The list includes Edmunds where he didn’t play like what the Bears were expecting. Newcomer T.J. Edwards was playing better in coverage which could concern Chicago if there aren’t any changes to Edmunds’ ability. The team was able to shell out a salary cap for the veteran but he isn’t playing up to his potential. He probably won’t go anywhere anytime soon but he’s the third-highest-paid player.
The Bears still have one of the best linebacker groups in the league with standout Jack Sanborn. According to Pro Football Focus, the team’s linebacker group was ranked top 11 in the league. However, Edmunds does have the ability to play multiple positions at linebacker so this will give Chicago a chance to see a difference in his play. The source believes that Sanborn will likely take over Edmunds’s role but he doesn’t have the rep or money like him.
Chicago could shave off some salary cap to save the team $20 million. However, Sweat has also been the subject of trade rumors so this could mean the team is getting younger and shipping out veterans before their values go down. After spending five years with the Buffalo Bills, Edmunds could be on the move again in his career. Only time can tell what the Bears do.
NFC Contender Chicago Bears May Trade $72 Million Starter Tremaine Edmunds
Will They Trade Him?
Edmunds has been consistent in most of his seasons in the league but last year was unproductive for him. However, it was his first year playing in a new defensive scheme of head coach Matt Eberflus. Before, he was able to record 102 tackles (including six for loss), 1.0 sacks three quarterback hits, seven passes defended and one interception in 13 games for the Bills. Injuries were plaguing him in the first half of the campaign last year, but didn’t stop him from amassing a career-high of four interceptions.
He was able to get things up to speed in the second half which leaves the Bears wondering what he can do next. Edmunds reflects on the upcoming season and what it will take to remain consistent.
“You can only control what you can control, and that’s how you show up every day. How you push each other,” he said. “That’s the main message right now. A lot of good competition we have right now in OTAs. We’ll take that to minicamp next week and we’ll be ready to go in training camp.”
It’ll be interesting if Chicago moves on considering he’s a leader in the locker room. However, teams are still looking for linebackers so here are some potential trade fits for Edmunds
Potential Trade Fits for Edmunds
The Panthers are at a pivotal point with their roster changing to help Bryce Young lead the team. However, they still need some edge help even though they were able to add Jadeveon Clowney. Edmunds’s play would enhance the defense by teaming with Shaq Thompson and Brian Burns as the dangerous trio. His impact could be structured around providing the team with a reliable veteran who still has lots to offer.
The Chiefs have a solid four-starting-caliber linebacker group with Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, Willie Gay Jr. and Drue Tranquill. Steve Spagnuolo would be able to find a spot for Edmunds since he should be ring-chasing in his career. He’s consistent enough to be a leader in a locker room so he could be the answer to go for a third consecutive Super Bowl.
A dark horse team that would open its arms for his availability is the Baltimore Ravens. Imagine a bonafide trio of Roquan Smith, Kyle Van Noy and Edmunds. This is probably the final gem to help Lamar Jackson lead the Ravens to their first Super Bowl since the Joe Flacco days.
