The Chicago Bears just won their first playoff game in over a decade, which was a monumental moment for a success-starved Chicago fan base. Using a winning culture established around Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams, the Bears are looking to transform themselves from a playoff team into a true Super Bowl contender this offseason. The first step requires Chicago to fix its financial situation, as they are currently $10 million over the cap. The most obvious solution to this issue is moving on from linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
Edmunds has been a solid player for years, recording over 100 total tackles in each of his eight seasons as a pro. He has also played a major role in generating turnovers in Chicago. He has used his large frame to tip passes and haul in interceptions, recording nine total in three years with the Bears.
Despite this production, Edmunds has at times been a liability on defense, and even this year, he was arguably outplayed by his backup, D’Marco Jackson. He often struggles in pass coverage, which was exposed against the San Francisco 49ers, and played a role in Chicago’s defensive struggles. It’s also important to note that he is already in the last year of his contract, so he is not in the team’s current long-term plans.
Edmunds has a cap hit of nearly $17.5 million, with only about 2.5 million guaranteed, according to Over The Cap. Although he has been a decent player, his current value does not match his contract. By cutting him, the Bears could get back under the cap limit and likely re-sign Jackson or another cheaper linebacker to fill in next to TJ Edwards.
The freed-up money could also be used to bring back other important free agents, like Kevin Byard or Jaquan Brisker, or can be used to pursue other free agents. Although it’s never easy to move off multi-year team veterans, cutting the veteran linebacker seems like the most obvious fix to Chicago’s cap issues.
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