Former Bears Standout LB Signs 3-Year Deal with Giants

Tremaine Edmunds inks $36 million contract with New York after being released by Chicago

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, a two-time Pro Bowler who spent the last four seasons with the Chicago Bears, has signed a three-year, $36 million contract with the New York Giants. The 27-year-old was released by the Bears earlier this month after they were unable to find a trade partner.

Why it matters

Edmunds was a key part of the Bears' defense, and his departure leaves a significant hole that the team will need to fill. The Giants, meanwhile, are adding an experienced and productive linebacker to their roster as they look to improve on a 7-9 season.

The details

Edmunds' new deal with the Giants includes $23.7 million in fully guaranteed money. He was drafted 16th overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2018 and has recorded over 100 total tackles in each of his eight NFL seasons. In 2025, he was on pace for his best year with the Bears before suffering a groin injury that landed him on injured reserve. Last season, he still managed 112 total tackles, four interceptions, one sack, and one fumble recovery in 13 games.

  • Edmunds was released by the Bears a few days before the start of free agency on March 15, 2026.
  • He signed his three-year, $36 million contract with the Giants on March 18, 2026.

The players

Tremaine Edmunds

A two-time Pro Bowl linebacker who spent the last four seasons with the Chicago Bears before being released and signing with the New York Giants.

Devin Bush

A linebacker who the Bears signed to a three-year, $30 million deal to help replace Edmunds on defense.

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What they’re saying

“Tremaine Edmunds is a proven playmaker who will be a great addition to our defense. We're excited to have him on board.”

— Dave Gettleman, Giants General Manager (sportingnews.com)

What’s next

The Giants will look to integrate Edmunds into their defense as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Edmunds' move from the Bears to the Giants represents a significant shift in the NFC landscape, as one of the conference's top linebackers changes teams within the division. The Bears will need to find a way to replace his production and leadership on defense.