News around the NFL will start to pick up a notch as teams begin preparing for the 2026 campaign. Several players will be on new teams next season, and that could have a ripple effect on the Detroit Lions, especially since it will happen within their division.
On Wednesday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that the Bears have allowed linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to seek a trade. He's still under contract for next season at $15 million, but it appears the Bears will move on from him.
With a hole being created at linebacker, Alex Anzalone immediately becomes a potential option for Chicago during free agency.
Alex Anzalone Could Join Bears Amid Tremaine Buzz Trade Buzz
The Bears are currently 4 million over the cap space, which makes sense why they are seeking to move on from Edmunds to create some wiggle room. But they will have to replace a linebaker who started 45 games for them over the last three seasons, and Anzalone could jump to the top of the list.
The former Florida standout took aim at the Lions' social media team after not being included in a video montage earlier this month. Shortly after, he said he'll be a Lion forever, but there's a great chance that door has closed.
Chicago's defensive coordinator is Dennis Allen, who crossed paths with Anzalone in New Orleans. From 2017 to 2021, Allen was Anzalone's DC. During that timeframe, Anzalone was used more as a depth option, logging 123 total tackles, three pass deflections, and three forced fumbles.
Nonetheless, he developed into a difference maker with the Lions and could bring that juice over to the Windy City. The biggest area where Anzalone would provide an upgrade over Edmunds is in pass coverage. Last season, Edmunds had a 52.1 coverage grade (50th among 88 graded LBs) on PFF. He gave up 56 catches on 71 targets for 530 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 13 games.
As for Anzalone, he allowed 40 receptions for 409 yards and two touchdowns over 16 outings. He finished with a 65.3 coverage grade (23rd among 88 graded LBs). While his run-defense grade (65.6) was lower than Edmunds' (81.3), Anzalone was still solid in that area.
Spotrac projects Anzalone to sign a two-year, $14.5 million deal, which pans out to $7.3 million per year. That would save Chicago $8-10 million at the position and give them a reliable veteran in place.
While Lions fans don't want to hear about a former player going to a division rival, the odds that it happens with Anzalone took a significant jump on Wednesday. The Bears could have a need at the position, and Anzalone would give them someone familiar with the defensive scheme at half the cost.
And for a defender who is 31 years old and wants to play competitive football, the Bears would give Anzalone that opportunity, making this a storyline to watch in the coming weeks.