The Bears have a decision to make at inside linebacker this offseason. But if they’re to have their way, they’ll re-sign one of their veterans to line-up opposite Roquan Smith.
Chicago is expected to prioritize re-signing inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski in free agency, according to Chris Emma of 670 the Score.
Kwiatkoski shined in relief of the injured Danny Trevathan last season. Now, the Bears will have to pick Kwiatkoski or Trevathan — and it sounds like Kwiatkoski would be their top choice.
While Trevathan has been an effective contributor and leader in Chicago’s locker room in his four years with the Bears, the fact of the matter is that he’s 30 years old and has a history of injuries. Trevathan has missed 16 games since signing with the Bears prior to the 2015 season.
Then you have Kwiatkoski, who took full advantage of his opportunity in place of Trevathan. Kwiatkoski had career highs with 76 combined tackles, three sacks, four pass breakups and a safety, as well as one forced fumble.
“He took full advantage for his opportunities when he got them,” general manager Ryan Pace said. “You tip your hat to him. We talk about drafting and developing players. With him being a fourth-round pick, we’re proud of where he got to.”
The only problem is, Kwiatkoski will be a viable target of many teams in search of an inside linebacker, including the rival Packers. There’s no question Kwiatkoski is going to get paid — roughly $7-8 million — it’s a question of it the Bears can afford him, given the other areas of need this free agency, including quarterback and tight end.
The Bears are expected to make a run at an experienced veteran quarterback to challenge Mitchell Trubisky, and that could ultimately be the difference between re-signing Kwiatkoski and settling elsewhere.
Three of Chicago’s inside linebackers are set to hit free agency — in Kwiatkoski, Trevathan and Kevin Pierre-Louis — and the Bears need to lock up Kwiatkoski or Trevathan heading into 2020.
If the Bears can’t land Kwiatkoski, Trevathan would be the primary target and serves to be a cheaper option.
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