(104.3 The Score) After attempting to trade veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, the Bears are instead releasing him in a salary cap-clearing move.
The Bears will cut Edmunds ahead of the final year of his contract, ESPN first reported Thursday evening. The move will save the team $15 million against the salary cap.
Edmunds, 27, played 45 games across three seasons for the Bears after signing a four-year, $72-million deal in March 2023. He was a key player for Chicago's defensive identity and a leader in the locker room.
The Bears' decision to release Edmunds came one week after the team granted him permission to seek a trade. That never came to fruition given his hefty contract for 2026.
The Bears have created $44 million in salary cap space to use in free agency next week following the release of Edmunds, the trade agreement to send receiver DJ Moore to the Bills and the abrupt retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman.
The Bears haven't yet officially announced Edmunds' release.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for TheScoreChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.