When the Chicago Bears recently allowed linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to look for a trade, many assumed it was merely a precursor to releasing him due to salary cap issues. However, it seems there may indeed be a market for the veteran linebacker, surprising many. Earlier in the week, reports indicated increased interest from teams, suggesting the Bears might secure a valuable return if negotiations move forward.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler added to the speculation by naming three teams that are genuinely interested in Edmunds: the Titans, Raiders, and Giants. He highlighted that these teams are on the lookout for high-quality linebackers, and being only 27 with eight years of experience, Edmunds fits the bill.
“One player who has strong trade value and a decent chance to be dealt is Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. The Titans, Raiders and Giants are among teams interested in high-end linebackers, and they like Edmunds, who’s only 27 despite eight years in the league. He was granted permission to seek a trade earlier this week.”
Tremaine Edmunds Could Bring in a Solid Return for the Bears
In trade scenarios like this, it’s beneficial to examine recent history for comparisons. Numerous linebackers have been traded over the years, yielding a wide range of compensation. Below is a list of recent trades involving linebackers aged 26 to 29, similar to Edmunds, who will turn 28 in May:
| Year | Player | Age | From | To | Trade Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Logan Wilson | 29 | Bengals | Cowboys | Traded for a 2026 7th-round pick. |
| 2022 | Deion Jones | 27 | Falcons | Browns | Combined with a 7th-round pick for a 2022 6th-round pick |
| 2022 | Avery Williamson | 28 | Jets | Steelers | Combined with a 7th-round pick for a 2022 5th-round pick |
| 2020 | Kwon Alexander | 26 | 49ers | Saints | Traded for a 2020 5th-round pick and LB Kiko Alonso |
| 2019 | Kiko Alonso | 29 | Dolphins | Saints | Traded for LB Vince Biegel. |
| 2017 | Jamie Collins | 27 | Patriots | Browns | Traded for a 2017 3rd-round comp pick. |
| 2013 | Jon Beason | 28 | Panthers | Giants | Traded for a 2014 7th-round pick. |
| 2010 | Kirk Morrison | 28 | Raiders | Jaguars | Combined with a 5th-round pick for a 4th-round pick. |
| 2008 | Jonathan Vilma | 26 | Jets | Saints | Traded for a 2008 4th-round pick and a 2009 conditional pick. |
Any Return for Edmunds is a Win for the Bears
Remember, the Bears signed Edmunds as a free agent in 2023, and flipping him for a solid pick after three years of solid performance would represent smart football business. While salary cap constraints are part of the reason for considering trade options, difficult choices are sometimes necessary in this sport. For example, Kansas City faced a similar situation last year with Joe Thuney.
The timing of this potential trade fits well as draft experts are labeling this as one of the strongest linebacker classes in recent memory. If Chicago aims to add a top-tier talent to their roster, this may be the year to do it. The Bears might not just part ways with Edmunds; Noah Sewell could follow suit, and with T.J. Edwards dealing with an injury, additional bodies are needed. Acquiring extra picks will prove helpful in this regard.
