The New York Giants just got a lot faster in the middle of their defense. After releasing former starting LB Bobby Okereke to save some money on the cap, the Giants have signed former Bears LB Tremaine Edmunds to a three-year, $36 million deal with $23.7 million fully guaranteed, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
A former first-round pick out of Virginia Tech by the Bills in 2018, Edmunds was one of the youngest players ever drafted by the NFL. After spending the first five seasons of his career in Buffalo, Edmunds signed massive deal with the Bears in 2023, and he’s anchored the middle of Chicago’s defense ever since. The Bears allowed him to pursue a trade this offseason, and when one didn’t materialize, they released him to allow Edmunds to find a new home. He now has one in New York.
In his eight seasons in the NFL, the new Giants linebacker has 900 tackles, nine sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 14 interceptions, and 49 passes defensed.
The New York Giants Just Added a Big Piece to Their Defense
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 20: Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Chicago Bears celebrates with Kevin Byard III #31 after his fumble recovery against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter at Soldier Field on December 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
With Okereke’s departure, the Giants had a massive hole in the middle of their defense. They now fill it with one of the most athletic linebackers in NFL history — Edmunds measures 6-4, 251 pounds, and he ran a 4.54 40-yard dash at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine.
New York wanted to add more speed to the middle of their defense, and they did just that. At his best, Edmunds is one of the elite sideline-to-sideline playmakers at linebacker in the league, flying around the field to make plays against the run and the pass. The Giants added a premier athlete with great instincts and eight years of NFL experience despite still being just 27 years old.
Edmunds is still firmly in the prime of his career and could easily sign another big contract when this one expires in three years, if the Giants don’t extend him before then. More importantly for New York, they add one of the most productive players in the league to a quietly strong defense.
The New York Giants Have More Work to Do in Free Agency
Signing Edmunds is a major win for the Giants, and it’s not the only thing they’ve done on the first day of free agency — they’ve been busy. But they’re not done yet, either.
Offensive line remains a need for the Giants, especially if they lose RT Jermaine Eluemunor in free agency as they very well might. Wide receiver is a need, as aside from star WR Malik Nabers, New York is a bit thin at that position.
Cornerback is an interesting position to watch for the Giants moving forward, considering some of the other moves made across the league today in free agency. Regardless of what else New York does on the open market, they do have the No. 5 overall pick in the draft — and that’s a powerful asset for the Giants.
Giants Sign ‘Standout’ 900-Tackle Linebacker to $36 Million Deal