Getty

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 18: General Manager Ryan Poles of the Chicago Bears looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Soldier Field on January 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears may be hours away from making their most significant financial decision of the offseason.

With the team sitting roughly $10 million over the salary cap, all signs are pointing toward linebacker Tremaine Edmunds as the most likely casualty. Multiple cap analysts have circled his contract as the cleanest solution, and the move could come as soon as today.

As Bears cap analyst Ben Devine put it plainly this morning, “Tremaine Edmunds would clear $15 million in cap space for the Chicago Bears if cut. That appears the likely outcome, possibly today.”

Tremaine Edmunds would clear $15 million in cap space for the Chicago Bears if cut. That appears the likely outcome, possibly today. #DaBears

That kind of flexibility is difficult to ignore.

Edmunds carries a cap hit of nearly $17.5 million in 2026, with only about $2.5 million guaranteed. Releasing him would immediately bring Chicago back under the cap and open the door to re-signing key contributors or exploring outside additions.

For a franchise building on its first playoff win in more than a decade, tough choices were always coming.

Bears Weight Production vs. Price Tag

There is no denying Edmunds has been productive.

The former first round pick has recorded over 100 total tackles in each of his eight NFL seasons. In 119 career games, Edmunds has totaled 900 tackles, 14 interceptions and 59 passes defended.

During his three years in Chicago, he totaled nine interceptions and consistently impacted passing lanes with his length and instincts.

At his best, he has been a tone setter in the middle of the Bears defense.

But the evaluation goes deeper than tackle totals.

Edmunds missed four games last season and at times struggled in coverage, particularly against high-powered offenses.

There were stretches where backup D’Marco Jackson flashed within Dennis Allen’s system, leading to questions about value relative to cost.

In a cap crunch, solid production does not always match a $17 million price tag.

Bears Cap Decision Would Have Ripple Effects

If the Bears move on, it would not necessarily signal a defensive rebuild. It would be a financial recalibration.

Chicago still has TJ Edwards under contract and could pursue a lower cost replacement through free agency or the draft.

More importantly, clearing $15 million gives the front office room to address other priorities, including retaining veterans in the secondary or maybe even go all in for a big-name like Maxx Crosby.

This is the type of decision contenders have to make.

Edmunds has been a steady three year starter and respected presence in the locker room. But with minimal guaranteed money remaining and the Bears needing flexibility, the math is difficult to argue against.

If Devine’s projection proves accurate, Chicago’s first major offseason move could arrive very soon.

More Heavy on Bears

Loading more stories