The Chicago Bears have been extremely active today, as their roster is changing. After making a trade earlier, the team has decided to outright release a two-time Pro Bowler from their roster. There are a few reasons why the front office have made the decision to move on, but let’s take a closer look at what happened and what we know at this point.
The Chicago Bears release Tremaine Edmunds
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Bears have decided to release former Pro Bowl linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. This move creates $15 million in salary cap relief for the team after allowing him to seek a trade earlier this week. Edmunds was entering the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract, but will now get to choose where he continues his career as an unrestricted free agent.
Edmunds has been a starter for all eight seasons of his career, including the three he spent in Chicago. Last season, he played in 13 games and recorded 112 total tackles (61 solo, 51 assisted) with one sack, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, one fumble recovery, nine pass deflections, and four interceptions. Entering his age-28 season, Edmunds will be an interesting free agent in a position with a lot of depth available this offseason.
Chicago could now look in the free agent market/NFL draft to find someone who could fill the middle linebacker position in their base 4-3 defense. They could also promote from within, as Noah Sewell was the backup throughout the season for Edmunds.
When factoring in the release of Edmunds, trading away wide receiver DJ Moore, and the retirement of center Drew Dalman, there is about $44 millikon of new cap space for the team to be aggressive in free agency. It will be intriguing to see how general manager Ryan Poles and the front office look to strengthen the team following this move.
Chicago Bears receive strong grade for DJ Moore trade with Buffalo Bills
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