Tremaine Edmunds’ trade request sends ripples for Saints’ offseason

By Ross Jackson

Usually, when a player requests a trade across the NFL, the New Orleans Saints aren’t seen as players in the situation. Whether because of salary cap limitations or draft capital needs, big-named trades are usually factors that exclude the club. But when Chicago Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds hit trade rumors, the impact for the Saints was both clear and two-fold.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bears linebacker has requested a trade.

The #Bears have given LB Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade, sources say. A standout LB potentially available. pic.twitter.com/SswCf0pjCM

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 25, 2026

On the first hand, he’s a player whose availability the Saints should call in to gauge. He’s an uber-athletic, highly-talented second level player that could bring another impactful option at the position, especially with the potential of losing Demario Davis in free agency.

Which brings about the other hand. Edmonds getting traded elsewhere would potentially strengthen a big-time landing spot option for Davis in Chicago. The Bears were already a top threat for competition in keeping Davis in the Crescent City. If Edmonds gets moved, Davis could become the Bears’ top pursuit in free agency.

Not only would Davis be able to reunite with his former defensive coordinator and head coach with Dennis Allen leading the Bears’ defensive unit, but he would be among a young room that he can mentor and help grow. One of Davis’ high points in his career, as he’s shared before, is his “linebacker tree” which includes several backers that have worked with him in New Orleans and gone on to find success elsewhere. One of those being linebacker D’Marco Jackson, who has begun to take off for the Bears in 2025. 

Demario Davis told us a couple weeks ago that he’d put his linebacker tree up against any other ‘backer in the league’s.

He may be able to add D’Marco Jackson to that list if he continues to play like he did in his first career start. https://t.co/fgg6CqoE4T

— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) November 25, 2025