Chicago Bears have signed inside linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to a three-year, $104 million contract extension, with $65 million guaranteed, ensuring the 27-year-old defensive star remains a cornerstone of the team through the 2028 season. The agreement, finalized on May 19, 2025, underscores the Bears’ commitment to building a formidable defense as they aim for a playoff push in the upcoming NFL season.
Edmunds, who originally joined the Bears in 2023 on a four-year, $72 million deal, has been a polarizing figure in Chicago. His athleticism, range, and playmaking ability have made him a valuable asset, but his performance has not always matched the lofty expectations set by his initial contract.
The 2025 season, the second-to-last year of his original deal, was poised to be a make-or-break campaign for the former Buffalo Bills first-round pick. However, Bears general manager Ryan Poles and new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen have clearly signaled their confidence in Edmunds’ ability to elevate the team’s defense with this lucrative extension.
The new contract, averaging $34.67 million per year, places Edmunds among the NFL’s highest-paid linebackers, surpassing recent deals for players like Roquan Smith and Fred Warner in annual average value. The $65 million in guaranteed money reflects the Bears’ belief in Edmunds’ potential to anchor their linebacker corps alongside T.J. Edwards, who also signed a two-year, $20 million extension in April 2025. The financial commitment comes as the Bears aim to address defensive inconsistencies that plagued them during their 5-12 season in 2024, despite high hopes for a turnaround under new head coach Ben Johnson.
Edmunds, a two-time Pro Bowler, has shown flashes of brilliance since arriving in Chicago. In 2024, he recorded 115 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions, demonstrating his ability to impact both the run and pass game. His sideline-to-sideline speed and 6-foot-5 frame make him a unique weapon in Allen’s aggressive, “win-now” defensive scheme, which emphasizes physicality and playmaking.
Allen, who took over as defensive coordinator in 2025, has praised Edmunds for his leadership and ability to set the tone. “It’s all about hitting the ground running,” Edmunds said in April 2025, echoing Allen’s urgency. “We’re not waiting. This team is ready to win now.”
The extension comes at a critical juncture for the Bears, who have made significant offseason moves to bolster their roster. The 2025 NFL Draft saw Chicago add offensive weapons like tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III, while also reinforcing the trenches with offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive tackle Shemar Turner. The addition of veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett via free agency has further raised expectations for the Bears’ front seven, with Edmunds expected to benefit from the increased pressure up front. “Grady’s presence is going to open things up for us,” Edmunds noted. “It’s about creating opportunities and capitalizing on them.”
Critics, however, point to Edmunds’ inconsistent play in Chicago as a cause for concern. Some analysts have argued that his performance has not fully justified his previous $18 million annual salary, with teammate T.J. Edwards often outshining him in Matt Eberflus’ scheme. A 2023 post on X noted Edwards’ superior production, with 284 tackles and 6.5 sacks over two seasons compared to Edmunds’ less dominant output.
The Bears’ decision to extend Edmunds at such a high figure has sparked debate, with some fans questioning whether the team is overpaying for potential rather than proven results. “Edmunds needs a career year to justify this,” one fan posted on X, reflecting the skepticism surrounding the move.
Financially, the Bears are navigating a tight salary cap, with their 2025 roster already costing $317 million. To accommodate Edmunds’ extension, Poles may need to restructure contracts for players like DJ Moore or Montez Sweat, as suggested in a May 2025 analysis on si.com. The team’s recent extensions for Edwards and cornerback Kyler Gordon (three years, $40 million) further strain the cap, but Poles’ aggressive approach signals a shift from rebuilding to contending. “We’re building something special,” Poles said. “Tremaine is a big part of that.”
The Bears’ defense, which ranked 20th in points allowed in 2024, is banking on Edmunds to lead a revamped unit. His role as a defensive captain, alongside cornerback Jaylon Johnson, will be crucial as Chicago faces a tough 2025 schedule, including matchups against playoff contenders like the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. With new talent and a new scheme, Edmunds has a chance to silence doubters and prove he’s worth the massive investment.
As the Bears prepare for their draft party at Soldier Field on April 24, 2025, featuring appearances by Edmunds, Johnson, and Hall of Famers like Devin Hester, the excitement around the team is palpable. For Edmunds, the extension is both a vote of confidence and a challenge to deliver. If he can harness his elite athleticism and adapt to Allen’s system, the Bears may finally see the dominant linebacker they envisioned when they first signed him.
