The New York Giants signed linebacker Tremaine Edmunds—formerly of the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears—to a three-year, $36 million contract that includes about $23.7 million fully guaranteed. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound 27-year-old was a first-round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills when Joe Schoen was the assistant general manager under Branden Beane.
Edmunds is a tackling machine with 900 career take-downs across eight seasons — he has recorded over 100 combined tackles in every season as a professional
and has never played less than 875 defensive snaps. Edmunds is reliable and a sound run defender, with elite measureables and good athletic ability that is highlighted by his sideline-to-sideline range:
Edmunds recorded a career-high 47 stops for the Bears last season. His release wasn’t necessarily indicative of his play, but rather a reflection of the Chicago Bears’ current roster and financial circumstances, as the team saved $15 million against the salary cap by releasing the veteran.
He’s also a sure tackler with just a 10.4% missed tackle rate — his last two seasons saw a 7.9% and 8.6% missed tackle rate. Edmunds is a quality zone defender who provides a physical run-support presence; he can fit the run well inside and outside the tackle box, with the athleticism to make plays outside the numbers. His length allows him to stack & shed against climbing offensive linemen, and his short-area quickness disrupts blocking patterns when he penetrates or blitzes.
As a zone defender, he surrenders a lot of catches, but he’s quick to corrall and bring the receiver down to the ground. He also provides heavy pop-on-contact when delivering hits. Edmunds also has a knack for getting his hands on the football at the line of scrimmage, and by closing throwing windows with his length — 97th percentile wingspan.
He has 14 career interceptions, many of which were tipped passes and similar plays, but he does find the football often. He’s not an exceptional man coverage player, but he is disruptive and aware enough to harass tight ends and big-slots — smaller, shiftier, wide receivers may give him problems, though.
Overall, Edmunds is an upgrade at linebacker for the New York Giants. One that doesn’t preclude Joe Schoen from drafting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, even with the retention of Micah McFadden. Please, like and subscribe to the channel and enjoy the video!
