Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast
Episode: Tremaine Edmunds has permission from the Chicago Bears to seek a trade
Hosts: Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola | Date: February 25, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the breaking news that veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has been granted permission by the Chicago Bears to seek a trade. Hosts Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola break down the implications for the Bears’ roster, salary cap, and offseason strategy, weaving in insights about free agency, draft prospects, and broader team-building trends. The discussion further branches into short-yardage rushing analysis, free agent rankings, potential off-season targets, and some personal anecdotes about players and former Bears.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Tremaine Edmunds Trade Permission – What It Means

[01:23 – 04:15]

• Matt opens by confirming reports (via Brad Biggs) that the Bears have given Edmunds permission to seek a trade due to his high salary: $15 million salary + bonuses, $17.4M cap hit.
• Cutting Edmunds would save the Bears $15M; a trade would bring some kind of return, likely a draft pick.
• Dan: “It’s a good look for the Bears as far as being able to receive some compensation back outside of just cutting him.” [03:21]
• Matt notes this approach reflects the Bears’ respect for veteran players: “This is how we treat vested veteran, Pro Bowl-level players…we give them some agency and allow them some say in where they might end up.” [03:30]
• Dan predicts Edmunds is gone either way: “I still think either way, no matter how it plays out, he’s not going to be a member of the Chicago Bears for 2026.” [03:43]

Linebacker Room Implications & Draft Talk

[04:15 – 05:27]

• Matt brings up uncertainty with the Bears’ current linebacker group: re-signing DeMarco Jackson (pending health of T.J. Edwards), and disappointment with Reuben Hippolyte.
• The hosts float the possibility of a broader inside linebacker overhaul.
• Dan: Anthony Hill Jr., linebacker from Texas, is mentioned as a likely draft target if Edmunds departs. [04:57]

NFL Trends: Modern Linebackers

[05:27 – 06:09]

• Matt discusses the league-wide trend toward “smaller and faster” linebackers with hybrid responsibilities and better coverage disguise: “Somebody where you can disguise all kinds of coverages because they have the multifaceted athleticism and the good size speed ratio.” [05:27]

Free Agency & Combine Timeline

[06:09 – 06:15]

• Dan notes free agency starts March 11. [06:09]
• The hosts commit to following rumors and updates closely as combine and free agency approach.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Bears Culture, Treating Players Right

• Matt Abbatacola [03:30]:
  “It’s also a good look to say, hey, this is how we treat vested veteran Pro Bowl-level players who are this important to us as we give them some agency and allow them some say in where they might end up.”

On the Realities of NFL Talent – Kyle Menongai’s Perspective

• Dan Bernstein shares RB Kyle Menongai’s advice to rookies [11:17]:
  “Find the small advantages because everybody’s good when you get here. Even the guys that don’t start, they’re probably the best athletes you’ll ever see. So find the small 1%, 2% advantages you can find, because I think those are what separate you since everyone for the most part is on the same talent level except the freaks like Miles Garrett.”

Bears’ Short Yardage Running Game Breakdown

[17:16 – 22:16]

• Matt emphasizes the value of beat writers’ mailbags, highlighting Brad Biggs’ detailed analysis of Bears’ short-yardage rushing outcomes:
  • 3rd in NFL in rushing and yards per carry last season.
  • Specifics on short-yardage conversion rates (see below).
• “Third and one, they had 24 rushes … 18 first downs. So that is 75%.” [20:12]
• Only 2/5 on 4th-and-1 conversions, suggesting a weak spot.
• Brad Biggs’ conclusion (via Matt): overall, the numbers were solid, and improvements could come from a young QB (Caleb Williams) and Kyle Menongai in Year 2. [21:48]

Optimism About New Offensive Coaching

• Dan credits new OC Ben Johnson for potential improvements:
  “Ben Johnson knows it, and I’m sure he’s already dissected why those plays didn’t go the way they wanted them to go… And he’ll find the solutions to resolve whatever the issues were.” [22:32]

Absurd (and Hilarious) NFL QB Projections

[25:13 – 32:14]

• Dan and Matt play through Seth Walder’s ESPN quarterback predictions for each NFL team—some are wild (e.g., Malik Willis to Miami, Kirk Cousins back to Minnesota, Marcus Mariota starting for the Chiefs).
• “He moves less than Frankenstein’s monster.” (on Kirk Cousins) [28:45]
• Matt jokes about Aaron Rodgers starting for the Steelers, Philip Rivers starting for the Colts, etc.

Deep Dives and Strategic Talking Points

Salary Cap Strategies & Roster Flexibility

• Clear focus on gaining flexibility via veteran cap maneuvering, with Edmunds serving as the example.
• Discuss trade versus release, the mechanics of compensation, and how teams may seek to get “first dibs” on negotiating with Edmunds.

Free Agent & Draft Landscape for the Bears

[32:32 – 38:38]

• Bears ranked (per Greg Rosenthal, NFL.com) in 2026 free agent lists:
  • Jaquan Brisker: 51st overall
  • D’Shawn Wright: 55th
  • Kevin Byard: 87th
• Discussion of Grady Jarrett, John Franklin-Myers (potentially targeted by the Titans), and whether the Bears’ defensive line woes/evaluation were poor luck, injuries, or misjudgment.

Bears’ Defensive Line: What’s Next?

• Matt underscores that the Bears invested heavily in the D-Line last offseason—suggesting their vision was derailed by injury and disappointment with Odengbo.
• “You don’t want to paint the picture like the Bears neglected the defensive line last year. They certainly didn’t. They just unfortunately missed and … injuries.” [38:29]
• The hosts debate whether the Bears need to spend more capital there or focus on other priorities like left tackle.

Lighthearted Banter and Side Anecdotes

Classic Bears Trivia & Memories

• Reminiscing about Desmond Clark, Bears’ all-time receiving records, and Chad Hutchinson’s one shining moment vs the Vikings. [08:35–10:48]
• “You know who I heard from a couple days ago? … Raymond Harris.” [08:14]
• Jokes about the old “medium snapper” position and Bears’ infamous QB carousel. [08:44]

Lake Michigan & Offseason Yearning

• The hosts wind down by joking about Lake Michigan’s temperature, fish migration, ducks, and science (“The sun heats things up.”). [40:50–41:10]

Quick Reference Timestamps

• 01:23 – Tremaine Edmunds trade news and financial breakdown
• 03:21–03:43 – Rationale for trading/cutting Edmunds; hosts’ predictions
• 04:15 – Inside linebacker room shakeup and draft preview (Anthony Hill Jr.)
• 05:27 – Modern linebacker traits and NFL defensive trends
• 11:17 – Kyle Menongai’s rookie advice (“find the 1% advantage” quote)
• 17:16–22:16 – Bears short-yardage rushing statistics & discussion
• 22:32 – Ben Johnson’s coaching impact on short-yardage offense
• 25:13–32:14 – Amusing ESPN predictions for NFL starting QBs (rapid-fire game)
• 32:32–38:38 – Bears’ 2026 free agent rankings; impact of player age; D-line priorities

Conclusion

This episode offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the impending departure of Tremaine Edmunds and what it signals for the Bears this offseason. Dan and Matt blend deep football analysis with authentic fan emotion, tackling topics from roster management and draft needs to coaching optimism and memorable moments from Bears history. For any fan needing clarity and insight on the team’s direction—or just a dose of Bears banter—this episode delivers.