The Detroit Lions watched the Chicago Bears part ways with one of their better defenses in Tremaine Edmunds on Thursday. After reportedly permitting the veteran linebacker to seek a trade last week, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Chicago decided that releasing him was the best route.
With the release, the Bears got some cap space, but also weakened their linebacker unit, which is good news for the Lions’ offense and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. As for Detroit’s defense, they could be in the market for a new linebacker with Alex Anzalone set to become a free agent.
All signs are pointing towards Anzalone not coming back to Detroit, as he's been linked to the New York Jets and reportedly has “a robust market,” per Connor Hughes of SNY TV. Enter Edmunds, who would instantly be a good fit in the Lions’ defense and be a thorn in the Bears’ side for at least twice a season.
Bears' Tremaine Edmunds Split Is Great News for Lions’ Defense
At 27 years old, Edmunds would help elevate Detroit’s front seven to the next level, which already features Aidan Hutchinson and Jack Campbell. Campbell has quickly turned into one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL.
According to Pro Football Focus, Campbell is solid in pass coverage (71.4 grade) and is a stud at stopping the run (93.0 grade). Imagine if the Lions were to add Edmunds, who can cover teams’ opposing tight ends and isn’t a slouch in the run defense.
This past season with the Bears, the veteran linebacker racked up 112 combined tackles, nine pass deflections, four interceptions, three tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits, despite missing four games.
Edmunds isn’t on the same level as Campbell in terms of pass coverage, or even Anzalone, who had a 65.3 grade this past season. The ex-Bears defender had a dismal 52.1 coverage grade, allowing 56 catches for 530 yards and four touchdowns. He also produced a 93.1 passer rating.
However, the Lions would try to improve that, as they would rather have Edmunds on their side and not in Chicago. Having Edmunds playing next to Campbell would help slow down the Bears’ passing game, which has a rising star in tight end Colston Loveland.
And when it comes to run defense, Chicago’s rushing attack would have to think twice about trying to run towards Edmunds’ side. In 2025, the veteran linebacker posted an 81.3 grade, per PFF.
On paper, the idea of the Lions making a run at Edmunds makes a lot of sense. It’s been a long time since he’s been a Pro Bowl player, which he did not do in Chicago. But having the chance to play behind Hutchinson and with Campbell could help Edmunds turn back the clock.
And let’s just say that Edmunds was to become a Pro Bowler in the Motor City, while the Bears’ LB unit took a step back and struggled without him in 2026. That would be the ultimate get back for Chicago, which let him walk for nothing and allowed him to stay inside the division.