The Chicago Bears have granted linebacker Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade, a move that could observe the 27-year-vintage veteran land with the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, or Modern York Giants, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The decision to allow Edmunds to explore trade options comes as the Bears navigate a tighter salary cap situation, with Edmunds’ $17.4 million cap hit for the 2026 season representing a significant financial consideration. Trading Edmunds before June 1 would free up $15 million in cap space for the team, according to reports.
Despite a productive 2025 season where he recorded 112 tackles and four interceptions, Edmunds has not consistently performed at the Pro Bowl level he reached during his time with the Buffalo Bills. He made two Pro Bowls in his first five years with the Bills, but has yet to replicate that success in three seasons with Chicago.
Fowler reported that the Titans, Raiders, and Giants are all in the market for high-end linebackers and have expressed interest in Edmunds. The Raiders, in particular, have been a subject of speculation regarding potential trades with the Bears, though Las Vegas has reportedly resisted discussions about trading pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
The Bears initially granted Edmunds permission to seek a trade last week, according to the Chicago Tribune. While a release remains a possibility if a trade cannot be secured, the team is hoping to receive some return for a player who would otherwise be a free agent after the 2026 season.
The NFL’s early negotiation period is scheduled to begin in eight days, suggesting a resolution regarding Edmunds’ future could emerge within the next week. The Bears may also consider trading away Tyson Bagent, DJ Moore, and Grevon Dexter as additional cap-saving measures.