As the 2025 NFL season draws closer, the Chicago Bears are moving forward with key offseason decisions involving Tremaine Edmunds. The Bears have allowed Edmunds to explore trade options while assembling plans to fill the potential gap in their linebacker lineup.
Edmunds, entering the final year of his contract with a $17.4 million salary cap hit, has been linked to trade rumors since returning from a groin injury last December. Sources close to the team reveal that Chicago general manager Ryan Poles has been actively engaged in discussions about Edmunds, indicating his departure could be imminent. The Bears are preparing to replace their Pro Bowl linebacker, who will turn 28 in May, as part of their rebuilding strategy.
D’Marco Jackson and Jacob Rodriguez Positioned as Key Replacements for Edmunds
With Edmunds possibly leaving, the Bears are expected to prioritize linebacker D’Marco Jackson in free agency. Jackson, brought to Chicago by defensive coordinator Dennis Allen from their time together with the New Orleans Saints, stepped up significantly during the season. He amassed 43 tackles, two tackles for loss, three pass defenses, one sack, and an interception in his role as a versatile linebacker.
Jackson’s impact was most notable when he filled in for Edmunds in November while Edmunds was recovering from injury. In his first start on November 23 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jackson recorded 15 tackles in total, including five solo stops and one tackle for loss, aiding the Bears to a win. Later, Jackson earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after a December 14 victory over the Cleveland Browns, where he recorded seven tackles, a tackle for loss, an interception, and two defended passes.
Although Jackson has proven to be a valuable special teams contributor with six tackles, relying on him as a direct substitute for Edmunds will be a significant gamble. Alternatives such as former Saints linebacker Demario Davis, Philadelphia Eagles’ Nakobe Dean, or Green Bay Packers’ Quay Walker offer possibly more cost-effective options for the Bears. Another avenue for Chicago involves drafting Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who could represent a long-term investment.
Rodriguez was a standout player in a dominant Texas Tech defense that allowed just 11.7 points per game last season. He contributed 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and one sack. A former quarterback, Rodriguez’s athleticism and knack for creating turnovers are exceptional. His stat line includes four interceptions, two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown), and a conference-leading seven forced fumbles. This capacity for game-changing plays earned him a place as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, a rare honor for a pure defensive player, joining names like Aidan Hutchinson in 2021 and Ndamukong Suh in 2009.
Chicago Bears Prepare a New Linebacker Core as Edmunds Advances Toward Exit
Edmunds has consistently recorded over 100 tackles in each of his three seasons with the Bears, yet his coverage weaknesses have been a concern. He allowed a 79.3% completion rate against him, conceding nine touchdowns on 208 targets despite recording nine interceptions. These flaws contributed to the team’s decision to consider moving on from him.
By focusing on Jackson’s immediate contributions and investing in Rodriguez’s potential through the draft, the Bears aim to reshape and strengthen their linebacker unit for the 2026 season. This transition follows Edmunds’s probable departure and reflects a calculated approach to improving both defensive depth and turnover creation.
The Bears’ discussions around Edmunds at events such as the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis have underlined the urgency of these roster decisions. With Poles steering the team’s future, the unfolding offseason moves will play a crucial role in defining Chicago’s competitiveness in the years ahead.
The #Bears have granted permission for LB Tremaine Edmunds to seek a trade, according to a league source. He's under contract for the '26 season at $15M. Still young and was Pro Bowl-caliber player thru first 10 games before minor injury. Finished year healthy. Led D in tackles.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) February 25, 2026
