The Chicago Bears have all but confirmed that just a few seasons after giving linebacker Tremaine Edmunds one of the biggest contracts in NFL history for a defensive player, the new powers that be are apparently so unimpressed by him that they won't bring him back in 2026.
Edmunds has been given permission to seek a trade, though all signs point to him eventually being released if the Bears are unable to find some sort of trade partner for him. Edmunds, fresh off a four-interception season, is likely to have a somewhat robust market if traded.
These five teams all have holes at linebacker, possess the picks the Bears would covet in an Edmunds move, and could be motivated buyers as they try to turn their team around as soon as possible.
5 trade destinations for Bears LB Tremaine Edmunds
5. New York Jets
The Jets are just about done with Quincy Williams, and Jamien Sherwood took a huge step back after signing a huge contract extension. Adding Edmunds alongside a top pick like Vell Reese might be enough to fix what was perhaps the team's weakest area.
4. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers need a linebacker in the middle who could command the defense as they try to fend off an NFC South that features almost no separation between the top and bottom of the division. Edmunds could be a real difference-maker for them.
3. Denver Broncos
Denver has one of the best defenses in the league, but if the Broncos are going to invest resources into any particular area on that unit, it's the linebacker room that is lacking in star power. Vance Joseph could be a solid coordinator when it comes to getting the most out of Edmunds.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have put off the idea of investing in a Lavonte David replacement for a very long time, but now they need to pay the piper. Edmunds would be a strong way for the Bucs to find a solid starter while freeing up Jason Licht to improve the defensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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1. Seattle Seahawks
The defending champions not only could use one more inside linebacker, but their assistant head coach is Leslie Frazier, who served as Edmunds' defensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills. Frazier knows as well as anyone how to get the most out of a player like Edmunds.