NFL Trade News: Tremaine Edmunds trade buzz grows as Chicago Bears weigh $15 million move and early Day 3 pick return

Tremaine Edmunds is suddenly at the center of a big decision in Chicago. The Chicago Bears are trying to fix their roster and manage money as they think about becoming real Super Bowl contenders.

One name now linked to trade talks is 27 year old Pro Bowl linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who is set to make $15 million this season. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Edmunds could bring back an “early Day 3” draft pick if the Bears move him. That means a fourth or fifth round pick.For Chicago, that would be a solid return. The team has been connected to trade rumors around DJ Moore, Gervon Dexter and Tyson Bagent, but Breer believes Edmunds is the most likely to move.

The reason is simple. The Bears may want to clear salary space, and Edmunds carries a large cap number. If they can trade him instead of cutting him, they would at least get something in return.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated predicts early Day 3 pick return for Chicago Bears Pro Bowl linebacker Tremaine Edmunds

Albert Breer wrote, “And so as the Bears seek a potential trade partner to shed a little salary, there should be a market for the big, athletic, still relatively young linebacker. What sort of return will Edmunds bring? My guess is that an early Day 3 pick is how most teams would value him.”

That prediction matters. If the Chicago Bears can land a fourth or fifth round pick for Tremaine Edmunds, it would be seen as a win for general manager Ryan Poles. Edmunds is viewed as a possible cut candidate if no trade happens. So getting any draft value instead of releasing him for nothing would help.On the field, Edmunds has shown strong production. In 13 games, he recorded 112 total tackles, four interceptions, nine passes defended, one sack, three tackles for loss and three quarterback hits.

In coverage, he allowed a 77.7 quarterback rating, which is considered very good for an off ball linebacker. Those numbers could attract teams that need help in pass defense.Still, his $15 million salary is a key factor. Some teams might wait to see if he is released. But if a team truly wants him, trading for him removes the risk of losing him in free agency. For now, Albert Breer’s report gives the Bears hope that there is a real market for their Pro Bowl linebacker.