With NFL free agency slated to start next month, there’s a sense that Chicago Bears veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds could be a potential cap casualty. Edmunds, who just finished his third year with the Bears, has one year left on his four-year, $72 million contract he signed back in March 2023.
If the Bears were to cut the veteran defender before June 1, they would receive $15 million in cap savings and take on $2.4 million in dead money, per OverTheCap. That’s enticing for a Bears club that needs to upgrade its pass rush.Â
However, before taking that route, Chicago is reportedly allowing Edmunds to seek a trade, per Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune. This is a smart move by Chicago, as it allows the veteran LB to gauge the market. It could allow the Bears to receive some value in return, instead of releasing him.
Luckily for Edmunds and the Bears, the free agent class at linebacker isn’t littered with talent, which could help expedite the process. Below, we’ll highlight three teams that could inquire about Edmunds with the new league year approaching.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers could be in the market for a new starting inside linebacker with Lavonte David set to become a free agent. David has made a name for himself with the Bucs over the years, but he is 36 years old.
Tampa Bay needs to start thinking about the future and getting younger at that spot. This is where Edmunds could come into play. According to OverTheCap, Tampa Bay is projected to have $23.5 million in cap space, which is enough to absorb Edmunds’ final year, which has a cap hit of $17.4 million.
The veteran linebacker, who is only 27 years old, would be an additional bonus to the Bucs’ run defense, which gave up 99.1 rushing yards per game (fifth-fewest in the league). At the same time, Edmunds would have to get better in pass coverage, as he had 52.1 coverage this past season.
However, the Bears LB could wonder with his athleticism in a Todd Bowles defense. As for possible compensation, the Bears should try to pry the Buccaneers’ 2026 third-round pick in exchange for Edmunds.
2. Indianapolis Colts
If the Colts decide to part ways with veteran middle linebacker Zaire Franklin to free up some more cap space, it could allow them to entertain a trade for Edmunds.
Franklin took a step back this past season after being named second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl in 2024. Despite being a tackling machine over the last four years, he was a net-negative in run defense, posting a 54.9 run defense grade. Franklin also got picked on by opposing QBs in the passing game with a 29.9 coverage grade, per PFF.
Edmunds would be a sizable upgrade over Franklin and be a nice addition at the second level of their defense. The Colts are projected to have $35.7 million in salary cap space, per OTC. Some of that will go towards Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce, depending on how his market shakes out in free agency.
Indianapolis doesn’t have a first-round pick this year, but they are estimated to have seven picks between Rounds 2 and 7, making them another intriguing option for Chicago.
3. Washington Commanders
If the Commanders are looking to get their defense back on track in 2026, why not inquire about Edmunds, who played college football at Virginia Tech and is from Danville, VA?
It seems like a perfect match, especially considering that veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner is set to become a free agent. However, Wagner reportedly told NFL insider Jordan Schultz on Tuesday that he plans to play a 15th season.
The Commanders need to get younger at middle linebacker, and they have more than enough cap space to absorb Edmunds' deal. Washington is projected to have $73.6 million in cap space, per OTC.
This past season, the Commanders’ defense allowed the third-most rushing yards per game (141.8) and fifth-most passing yards per game (242.5). Simply put, it was not good. But they can improve their defense with the addition of Edmunds, who can hold up in run defense and cover the opposing team’s tight end.
Washington was tied with the Cincinnati Bengals in allowing the second-most TD to tight ends in 2025, with 12. Edmunds could help bring that number down a few notches.Â
That said, the Commanders don't have a ton of picks to work with (six in the 2026 NFL draft), but the fit makes enough sense to test the waters.