Dec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) poses for a television camera with safety Kevin Byard III (31) after recovering a fumble against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears setting up trade for star player

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Keegan Rush | Last updated Feb 25, 2026 3:51 PM ET

The Chicago Bears have a few key decisions to make this offseason, coming off their best season in years. With a difficult cap situation and players set to be free agents, the challenge for Ryan Poles and the front office isn’t an easy one.

Among the decisions they will have to make is on linebacker Tremaine Edmunds who is coming off a career year. Edmunds is entering the final year of a four-year deal he signed in 2023 worth $72M as a free agent. He carries a $15M cap hit in 2026 against the Bears books and with Chicago needing to get below the cap before the league year, he could be a cap casualty.

But a new option emerged on Wednesday.

Chicago Bears give Treamine Edmunds permission for trade

Instead of releasing Edmunds and taking a $2M cap hit, the Bears could look to trade the linebacker. On Wednesday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that the team has given Edmunds and his camp permission to seek a trade ahead of the new league year.

Ideally, the Bears find a trade partner for Edmunds and get something in return. However, it’s easier said than done. Teams know that the Bears likely plan on cutting Edmunds to free up cap space. So a pick swap might be the best way to get this done for the Bears.

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.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) February 25, 2026

It’s hard to tell how much value Edmunds has. He’s set to be 28 years old at the start of the 2026 season and is coming off a career year before the injury cost him a chunk of the season. He was on a Pro Bowl pace. But can he keep it up?

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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