Tremaine Edmunds is one of the most recognizable linebackers in the NFL thanks to his rare size, athleticism, and consistent tackling production. Since entering the league in 2018, Edmunds has developed into a reliable defensive leader who has played for the Buffalo Bills and later the Chicago Bears.
Known for his speed and length at linebacker, Edmunds has been a key defensive playmaker for multiple teams and remains a notable name in NFL discussions, including rumors linking him with teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Early Life and NFL Draft
Tremaine Edmunds was born on May 2, 1998, in Virginia. He played college football at Virginia Tech Hokies football, where he quickly became one of the top linebacker prospects in the country.
In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills selected Edmunds with the 16th overall pick, making him one of the youngest players ever drafted at just 19 years old.
His combination of elite athletic traits and high football IQ made him a cornerstone of the Bills’ defense for several seasons.
Tremaine Edmunds Salary and Contract
In 2023, Edmunds signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Chicago Bears. The deal included a $9.75 million signing bonus and $50 million guaranteed, with an average salary of about $18 million per year.
Key contract details:
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Contract value: $72 million (4 years)
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Average annual salary: $18 million
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Guaranteed money: $50 million
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2026 base salary: $13.9 million
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2026 cap hit: about $17.4 million
In 2026, reports indicated that the Bears planned to release Edmunds to create around $15 million in salary-cap space.
Bills Career: Rising Star Linebacker
Edmunds built his reputation with the Buffalo Bills, where he quickly became the defensive signal-caller.
Achievements with Buffalo:
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Drafted 16th overall in 2018
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Multiple 100-tackle seasons
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Pro Bowl selections early in his career
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Defensive captain for several seasons
His ability to read plays and cover large areas of the field made him one of the most athletic linebackers in the league.
Could Tremaine Edmunds Play for the Steelers?
Although Edmunds has never played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, there has always been speculation because of his family connection.
His brother, Terrell Edmunds, played safety for the Steelers after being drafted in the first round of the same 2018 draft. Both brothers made history by becoming the first siblings selected in the same first round of an NFL draft.
Because of that connection, fans have often wondered if Tremaine could eventually join Pittsburgh.
Tremaine Edmunds Brother and Family
The Edmunds family is one of the most famous football families in the NFL.
Key family members:
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Terrell Edmunds – NFL safety and former Steelers first-round pick
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Trey Edmunds – Former NFL running back
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Father: Ferrell Edmunds, a former NFL tight end and two-time Pro Bowler
All three brothers played college football at Virginia Tech, continuing the family’s football legacy.
Tremaine Edmunds 40-Yard Dash Time
At the 2018 NFL Combine, Edmunds ran a 4.54-second 40-yard dash, which is extremely fast for a linebacker weighing about 250 pounds.
Combine measurements:
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Height: 6 ft 5 in
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Weight: around 250 lbs
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40-yard dash: 4.54 seconds
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Bench press: 19 reps
His rare combination of size and speed is a major reason scouts rated him as one of the best defensive prospects in the draft.
Is Tremaine Edmunds a Good Player?
Yes, Edmunds is widely considered a very good NFL linebacker, especially because of:
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Elite size and wingspan
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Strong coverage ability for a linebacker
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Consistent tackling production
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Leadership on defense
He has recorded 100+ tackles in multiple seasons and led his team in tackles as recently as 2025 despite missing games with injury.
While some critics believe his salary is high for the position, most analysts still view him as a high-level starter and defensive leader.
Tremaine Edmunds Quick Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tremaine Edmunds |
| Birth Date | May 2, 1998 |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in |
| Weight | 250 lbs |
| Position | Linebacker |
| Draft | 2018 – Round 1, Pick 16 |
| 40 Time | 4.54 seconds |
| Major Teams | Bills, Bears |
Conclusion
Tremaine Edmunds has built a strong reputation as one of the NFL’s most athletic linebackers. From his breakout years with the Buffalo Bills to his major contract with the Chicago Bears, he has consistently produced tackles and leadership on defense. With elite physical traits, a football family background, and years of experience, Edmunds remains a valuable defensive player who could still attract interest from multiple NFL teams in the future.
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