Tremaine Edmunds, a linebacker, is number six on Bill Zimmerman’s list of the Ten Chicago #Bears with the most to prove in 2025. In order for Edmunds to return in 2026, he must improve. See what Bill thinks of the $18 million player for the Bears.

In the world of the NFL, where careers are often defined by consistency, impact, and the ability to elevate a team, Tremaine Edmunds stands at a critical crossroads. The Chicago Bears’ linebacker, once heralded as one of the league’s most promising young defenders, is now facing a pivotal season that could determine his future with the franchise. Placed at number six on Bill Zimmerman’s list of the Ten Chicago Bears with the most to prove in 2025, Edmunds’s performance will be under intense scrutiny.

For an $18 million player in 2025, the expectations are high, and the stakes even higher. If Edmunds is to return to Chicago in 2026, he must demonstrate significant improvement, consistency, and leadership. Let’s delve into what Zimmerman’s assessment entails, the reasons behind Edmunds’s current standing, and what he needs to accomplish to secure his spot in the Bears’ future.

The Context: Edmunds’s Arrival and Expectations

Tremaine Edmunds was signed by the Chicago Bears prior to the 2023 season, arriving as a free agent after establishing himself as a formidable linebacker with the Buffalo Bills. At that time, many analysts considered him one of the league’s rising stars, a player with the size, speed, and instincts to anchor a Bears defense that had struggled to find stability in recent years.

The Bears invested heavily in Edmunds—reportedly around $18 million annually—to bring leadership, athleticism, and reliability to their linebacker corps. The signing was seen as a statement move, signaling the team’s intent to bolster their defense and build around young talent. However, the transition to a new team and system can be challenging, and the early results did not fully meet expectations.

While Edmunds showcased flashes of brilliance—highlight-reel tackles, sideline-to-sideline range, and playmaking ability—his overall consistency was often questioned. The defense as a whole struggled at times, but Edmunds’s individual performance drew mixed reviews. In the NFL, where the margin between success and failure is razor-thin, even a player with his physical tools must prove that he can be a game-changer on a consistent basis.

Bill Zimmerman’s Perspective: Why Edmunds Ranks Among the Most To Prove

Bill Zimmerman’s list of the Bears’ most to prove in 2025 is a reflection of players whose performances could define the franchise’s trajectory in the near future. Edmunds’s placement at number six indicates that while he’s not yet at the top of the list—perhaps because of the overall team dynamics or other pressing concerns—his performance is crucial to the Bears’ defensive identity.

Zimmerman likely emphasizes that Edmunds must elevate his game in several key areas: playmaking, leadership, durability, and consistency. The $18 million price tag adds pressure to deliver results that justify the investment. For Zimmerman, Edmunds’s ability to rise to the occasion and become a reliable, elite linebacker could be the difference between a rebuilding process that stalls or one that accelerates.

In his analysis, Zimmerman probably points out that Edmunds’s raw talent is undeniable. His size, speed, and coverage ability make him a versatile linebacker capable of handling multiple roles. However, talent alone isn’t enough in today’s NFL—performance under pressure, leadership, and the ability to make game-changing plays are what separate good players from great ones.

What Edmunds Must Do in 2025

To secure his future with the Bears beyond the current contract, Tremaine Edmunds must demonstrate measurable growth in several areas:

1. Consistent Playmaking and Impact

One of the primary criticisms of Edmunds has been inconsistency. To prove his worth, he needs to regularly produce impactful plays—tackles for loss, sacks, forced fumbles, and pass deflections. His ability to be a difference-maker on third downs and in critical moments will be under the microscope.

In 2025, he must become a reliable threat to disrupt opposing offenses. This means not only making tackles but also diagnosing plays quickly, shedding blocks, and positioning himself to make game-changing plays. The leadership role he’s supposed to take on also involves setting an example on the field—showing a relentless motor and a strategic understanding of the game.

2. Leadership and Football IQ

While physical talent is vital, leadership qualities often separate good linebackers from great ones. Edmunds needs to become a vocal, commanding presence on and off the field. This includes organizing the defense, communicating effectively, and inspiring confidence in teammates.

His football IQ—understanding offensive tendencies, disguises, and situational football—must improve. The best linebackers are those who anticipate plays before they happen, positioning themselves accordingly. If Edmunds can showcase an increased understanding of the game and become a true leader, his value to the team will skyrocket.

3. Durability and Consistency

Injuries or inconsistent performance can derail a player’s career, especially when they are earning a high salary. Edmunds must stay healthy and maintain a high level of play throughout the grueling 2025 season. Consistency in effort, tackling, coverage, and assignment discipline is essential.

The Bears’s coaching staff will be watching to see if he can stay on the field and produce at a high level week after week. A full, healthy season with steady performance will strengthen his case for a future with the franchise.

4. Leadership in High-Pressure Situations

The Bears are in a critical phase of their rebuild, and 2025 could be a pivotal year. Edmunds’s ability to thrive under pressure—whether in close games, against tough opponents, or in critical moments—will influence perceptions of his leadership.

He must demonstrate resilience, mental toughness, and the ability to elevate his game when it matters most. This could involve stepping up during late-game situations, rallying teammates, or making clutch plays that turn the tide of games.

5. Improving Against the Run and Pass

While Edmunds has shown flashes as a coverage linebacker, he needs to become more proficient against the pass, particularly in coverage schemes that attack the middle of the field. Improving his pass coverage skills—covering tight ends, running backs, and zone responsibilities—will be vital.

Against the run, he must be more disciplined and aggressive in shedding blocks and pursuing ball carriers. Showing marked improvement in these areas would reinforce his status as a top-tier linebacker.

The Stakes: What’s at Risk for Edmunds

If Tremaine Edmunds fails to show significant improvement in 2025, his future with the Bears could be in jeopardy. The NFL is a performance-driven league, and high salaries come with high expectations. The franchise’s willingness to invest in him long-term hinges on his ability to justify that investment through tangible results.

A subpar 2025 season could lead to the Bears exploring other options—drafting younger linebackers, trading for different players, or restructuring their defensive core. Conversely, a strong season could solidify his role, earning him a lucrative extension or at least a continued spot on the roster.

Furthermore, his reputation within the league could be affected. Players who produce consistently and lead their teams tend to secure better contracts and opportunities elsewhere if they move on. Edmunds’s legacy depends on his ability to elevate his game to match or exceed his salary.

What the Future Holds: 2026 and Beyond

For Edmunds to secure his future with the Bears beyond 2025, he must demonstrate that he is more than just an athletic specimen. He needs to evolve into a player who can be relied upon to make game-changing plays, lead by example, and adapt to the evolving demands of NFL offenses.

If he can meet these challenges—improving his tackling, coverage, leadership, and consistency—he will not only earn a new contract but also help lead the Bears into a more competitive era. His success could inspire the next generation of players and serve as a catalyst for the franchise’s resurgence.

Final Thoughts: A Player at a Crossroads

Tremaine Edmunds’s journey in 2025 is a defining chapter in his NFL career. The investment made in him by the Bears reflects a belief in his talent and potential. But talent alone isn’t enough; performance, leadership, and resilience are what will determine whether he remains a Bear in 2026.

Bill Zimmerman’s ranking of Edmunds among the most to prove in 2025 underscores the importance of this season. For Edmunds, it’s not just about personal statistics but about demonstrating that he can be the cornerstone of Chicago’s defense—a player who justifies his hefty paycheck and helps carry the team to new heights.

If he rises to the occasion, the future looks bright. If not, the Bears will likely look elsewhere. The pressure is on, but so is the opportunity—to cement his legacy in Chicago and prove that he belongs among the league’s elite linebackers.