The Green Bay Packers have their eye on an up-and-coming linebacker about to hit free agency.
According to Aaron Nagler of CheeseheadTV, the Packers are planning to pursue Nick Kwiatkoski, who will be an unrestricted free agent after starting 22 games over the last four seasons with the Chicago Bears.
A fourth-round pick of the Bears in 2016, Kwiatkoski developed into a quality backup and then became a reliable starter for Chicago’s defense after an injury ended Danny Trevathan’s season early.
Over 512 snaps in 2019, Kwiatkoski produced 76 tackles, three sacks and eight tackles for losses. He also broke up four passes, intercepted one and allowed a passer rating of just 66.0 into his coverage, while also forcing a fumble and creating a safety.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers specifically mentioned Kwiatkoski as a player to watch before the team’s Week 15 meeting with the Bears. He proved capable of stopping the run, dropping into coverage and blitzing, tallying a sack of Rodgers and nearly intercepting him on a pass over the middle.
In 2019, Kwiatkoski finished as the 15th highest-graded linebacker at Pro Football Focus.
Depending on his market, Kwiatkoski could be a cheaper veteran option than re-signing Blake Martinez or signing Cory Littleton or Joe Schobert in free agency. All three might cost $10 million or more per year.
The Packers have a big need at inside linebacker, given the struggles of the run defense and an inability to cover the middle of the field. Martinez and B.J. Goodson are both free agents.
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