4. Nick Kwiatkoski has played his way into a starting role

Raise your hand if you had Nick Kwiatkoski playing a major role in the Bears defense prior to this season. When injuries and other matters forced linebackerws Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith, “Kwit” stepped up in a big way, providing needed stability to the position and didn’t miss a beat.

Kwiatkoski capped off his surprising season with a safety against the Vikings when he stopped running back Mike Boone in his tracks while still in the endzone. The veteran has shown he belongs in this league and should become a starter in 2020.

The question is, will it be here in Chicago or will another team sign him away? With Trevathan’s deal also up this offseason, the Bears have a decision to make. Do they keep Kwit, Trevathan, or let both walk? Whatever happens, Kwiatkoski made play after play this year and deserves a chance to be a starter.