Following an impressive 2019 season, former Chicago Bears inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski was set to become a popular target in free agency.
It didn’t take long for Kwiatkoski to land with a new team. Kwiatkoski tweeted a photo of Las Vegas Stadium, which was a not-so-subtle way to announce he was signing with the Las Vegas Raiders.
— Nick Kwiatkoski (@nkwiatkoski27) March 16, 2020
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport confirmed the news soon after.
The #Raiders have signed former #Bears LB Nick Kwiatkoski, source said… as tweeted.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Details of Kwiatkoski’s deal haven’t been announced at this time.
Kwiatkoski, a former fourth-round pick that developed into an NFL starter, shined in relief of an injured Danny Trevathan in 2019. Kwiatkoski had career highs with 76 combined tackles, three sacks, four pass breakups and a safety, as well as one forced fumble. He proved to be one of the better defenders down the stretch for the Bears.
The Bears ultimately chose Danny Trevathan, who they signed to a three-year extension last week, over Kwiatkoski. Perhaps it had to do with money, or maybe Chicago elected to stick with one of their defensive leaders that was playing his best football prior to a fluke elbow injury in Week 10 last season.
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