Getty
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh.
The New York Giants received some great news on the evening of March 5, as a trade target that they were said to have “liked” was released ahead of NFL free agency.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter was the first to report the news, relaying: “[The Chicago] Bears are releasing former Pro-Bowl LB Tremaine Edmunds, per sources. Edmunds has been a full-time starter in each of his eight NFL seasons, and he now will become a free agent with 900 tackles on his resume.”
Before long, The Athletic’s Bears reporter Dan Wiederer confirmed this news, adding that Edmunds is “still young and productive” and should not struggle to find a new home. Perhaps that home is with the Giants.
Bears Releasing Tremaine Edmunds Just After Giants’ Bobby Okereke News
GettyThe Chicago Bears are releasing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
Edmunds’ potential release has been rumored for some time now, similar to that of former Giants middle linebacker Bobby Okereke, who was released a couple of nights earlier on the evening of March 3.
Both players’ cap hits had become unsustainable, but it’s always interesting to see what a former big-money signing’s market is after they are cut.
The Bears paid Edmunds $72 million in 2023, $41.8 million of which was guaranteed. He ended up earning $57 million worth of that contract, according to Over the Cap.
So, with that in mind, would Edmunds be willing to sign a bargain offer to join head coach John Harbaugh’s newly refurbished roster? Or will he attempt to max out in NFL free agency one last time?
That’s really the crucial question as the Giants weigh a pursuit like Edmunds.
Even if general manager Joe Schoen finds some creative ways to free up more cap space, it’s hard to justify spending too much money on another linebacker. Especially when you consider how the Okereke contract turned out after his first season.
The Giants don’t want to immediately put themselves back into a bad cap situation. However, based on his strong interest in Ohio State LB Sonny Styles and his long history in Baltimore, Harbaugh clearly values the middle linebacker position more than the average NFL HC.
If Edmunds signed at a discount, that would be the best-case scenario for Big Blue. After all, the Bears have already paid Edmunds big money in the past. So it’s possible the former two-time Pro Bowl linebacker is just looking for the right fit.
Should the Giants Pursue Tremaine Edmunds Rumors in NFL Free Agency?
Once Edmunds is officially released, he’ll be free to sign with any team. Even if NFL free agency has yet to begin.
With just a few days to go before free agency, though, it makes more sense to wait.
Edmunds should be one of the top middle linebackers on the market, despite his release. He’s an eight-time 100-plus tackler who is as consistent as they come.
In fact, Edmunds racked up 112 combined tackles in just 13 appearances last season.
Entering his age-28 campaign, Edmunds is also not old. Pass coverage isn’t necessarily the name of his game, but the proven leader is a tackling machine and an above-average run defender — something the Giants desperately need.
According to Pro Football Focus, Edmunds put together his best season as a run defender in 2025, grading out at an 81.1 out of 100. For that reason, among others, he feels like a good fit for Harbaugh and the Giants.
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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