Bills BREAKING: Tremaine Edmunds Signs Monster Deal with Bears - Full Details
Buffalo Bills star linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has agreed to terms on a career-altering contract with the Chicago Bears, per reports Monday from NFL Network.
The Bears are inking Edmunds to a four-year, $72 million contract with $50 million guaranteed. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, this would make Edmunds' deal the largest four-year contract for an inside linebacker in the NFL.
The Bills will now have to accept what has felt inevitable this offseason, as retaining Edmunds' services despite their abysmal cap situation was going to be nearly impossible.
Edmunds, the No. 16 overall pick by the Bills in 2018, forged himself into one of the league's most consistent linebackers from day one. He's never finished a season with less than 100 total tackles and recorded 35 pass breakups in his five-year career with the Bills.
The 24-year-old has certainly earned himself a major pay-day while arguably becoming one of the league's most underrated linebackers. It's safe to say that Edmunds deserves it after the season he had, which makes it sting even more for the Bills that he's leaving.
Another solid season under his belt couldn't have been more timely with free agency approaching. Despite only playing in 13 games, Edmunds led the Bills in total tackles (102) while adding a sack, seven passes defended and an interception.
His ability to drop back into pass coverage flashed brightest in the postseason, as Edmunds total four passes defended in the win over the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card on Jan. 15. He followed this up by leading the Bills with 12 total tackles in the 27-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in the AFC Divisional.
The Bills will now have to get used to life without one of their defensive staples. Fortunately, they have an entire offseason ahead to do so.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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