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Chicago Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds was connected to the New York Giants via trade.
The latest New York Giants news on March 1 came via ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, who connected Big Blue to trade rumors surrounding Chicago Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
“One player who has strong trade value and a decent chance to be dealt is Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds,” Fowler reported within a massive article relaying NFL Combine “buzz.”
He added that the Giants, Tennessee Titans, and Las Vegas Raiders are “among teams interested in high-end linebackers, and they like Edmunds, who’s only 27 despite eight years in the league.”
The Bears have already granted Edmunds permission to seek a trade.
Should the Giants Wait on the Bears to Release Tremaine Edmunds Amid Trade Rumors?
GettyChicago Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds is available on the NFL trade market.
When a team gives a player permission to seek a trade, it typically implies that said player is one step away from being released.
The Bears signed Edmunds to a massive $72 million contract in 2023, and he has one year left on that deal. According to Over the Cap, Chicago can save $15 million in cap space by either trading or releasing the big-money linebacker.
To be clear, it makes no difference if the Bears trade Edmunds from a cap standpoint, but they might as well get something back if there’s interest.
Having said that, this is a situation where the Giants must trust their ability to read the market.
If they really want Edmunds, they could offer the Bears some sort of low-end draft compensation to facilitate a trade. But in this scenario, they’d be stuck paying a portion of Edmunds’ 2026 salary.
Assuming they’re willing to risk losing Edmunds to another team, it would be wiser to wait. If the Bears get no offers, they’ll likely cut the starting MIKE-backer loose.
Then the Giants could pursue him in NFL free agency at a more appropriate market value.
Edmunds is entering his age-28 season, so he’s unlikely to make the same type of money that he did at age 25. With that in mind, the Giants should only pursue an Edmunds trade if they fear they’ll lose him to another team.
Bobby Okereke Cut News Would Follow Any Tremaine Edmunds Giants Trade
It goes without saying that Edmunds would replace veteran cut candidate Bobby Okereke.
Okereke’s play has fallen off in recent seasons, and the Giants are expected to move on from his $40 million contract. So, if an Edmunds trade is announced, expect Okereke’s release news to follow.
Over the Cap lists $9 million in savings if the Giants cut Okereke before NFL free agency. And this would qualify as a no-brainer move.
With head coach John Harbaugh taking over in New York, nothing is tying the G-Men to Okereke.
Harbaugh has always employed a reliable middle linebacker whom he trusts during his time in Baltimore, so many expect that to be the case with the Giants. Edmunds would fit the bill, especially if Harbaugh “likes” him.
Another option with ties to the Giants HC would be former Baltimore Ravens draft pick Patrick Queen, who could be released by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
For now, Big Blue has remained patient as the wait for the middle linebacker market to take shape. But as of March 1, all signs point to there being a new NYG MIKE-backer in 2026.
Michael Obermuller covers the NFL as an Associate Editor for Heavy Sports, where he began writing in 2021. His areas of focus include the NFL breaking news operation, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers, with expert knowledge on each based on years of coverage. Michael is an NYC area native and Quinnipiac graduate. More about Michael Obermuller
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