March 9, 2026, 7:00 p.m. ET
The New York Giants continued adding to their defense early in free agency, making a notable move to bolster the middle of their linebacker corps.
Big Blue agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds shortly after he was released by the Chicago Bears, who had attempted to trade him before ultimately parting ways ahead of free agency. Edmunds, a former first-round pick and two-time Pro Bowler, lands in East Rutherford on a reported three-year deal after spending the last three seasons in Chicago.
With the agreement in place, here are five things to know about the Giants’ newest linebacker.
Edmunds was set to enter the final year of a four-year, $72 million deal with the Bears this season, but became a salary cap casualty last week when they could not find a team to take Edmunds in a trade. He was released and became free for any team to sign. Since he did not enter free agency under an expiring contract, his signing will not count towards the Giants’ compensatory draft pick formula for next season.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Began his career with Buffalo
Edmunds was the 16th player selected in the 2018 NFL draft out of Virginia Tech by the Buffalo Bills. He played five seasons for the Bills, a total of 74 games (all starts), amassing 565 total tackles, 32 for a loss, with 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 14 interceptions (one for a touchdown).
Has both size and speed
Edmunds is six feet four and a half inches tall and weighs 251 pounds. At the 2018 NFL Combine, he ran the 40 in 4.54 seconds and recorded a 9-foot, 9-inch broad jump.
Two-time Pro Bowler
Edmunds was a two-time Pro Bowl selection with Buffalo (2019, 2020). He is still only 27 and was the second-youngest player ever drafted by an NFL team in 2018. His brother, Terrell, was also drafted in the first round in 2018 (by Pittsburgh at No. 28).
Played in 10 postseason games
The Giants are getting a seasoned veteran in the prime of his career. Edmunds brings a load of playoff experience with him, having played in 10 postseason games (eight with Buffalo, two with Chicago). He recorded a total of 84 stops in those 10 games.
