Trevathan-Related Dominoes, XFL Free Agents to Watch, NFL Draft Still On (For Now), and Other Bears Bullets

The last 48 hours have been draining, but I’m doing my part to keep complaints at a minimum. In fact, I was motivated enough to round up a bunch of food for the soul yesterday in an attempt to kick the bad vibes. Nothing like baklava from the Greek bakery to put you in a better mental space. With that being said, here’s another reminder that it’s OK to unplug if that’s what you need to keep your wits about you.

  • On a day that was mired in postponements, cancellations, and shut-downs, news of the Bears re-signing linebacker Danny Trevathan gave me a necessary jolt of energy. And with good reason. Trevathan has been a core member of this defense since 2016. When healthy, Trevathan has been one of football’s most productive inside linebackers. This isn’t the premium position it once was, but a player with Trevathan’s instincts, ability to cover in space, defend against the run, and offer up a timely pass-rushing blitz makes him a valuable piece to the puzzle.
  • The obvious downside to this deal is that it probably means the end of Nick Kwiatkoski’s time in Chicago. And to be honest, it will sting a little to watch him sign elsewhere. Kwiatkoski represents one of GM Ryan Pace’s draft-weekend success stories that gets overlooked because he wasn’t a full-time starter. Snagging a fourth-round pick who can start in a pinch, thrive in a role as a special teams ace, and even contribute on offense by catching a two-point conversion when called upon is a tremendous value. It’s unfortunate that jack-of-many trades types tend to be undervalued by the masses, but one team is going to get a solid contributor in free agency. Hope it’s not the Packers.
  • If Kwiatkoski leaves for greener pastures and more green in his pocket, it could help position the Bears for a compensatory draft pick in 2021. We’re a long way from figuring that out. And I’m not even sure a new Collective Bargaining Agreement would carry the same formula. But it is something to keep in mind as the Bears navigate through free agency.
  • No Kwiatkoski, no problem? I’m not ready to go that far, but the time is coming for Josh Woods and Joel Iyiegbuniwe to step up their games. These two inside linebackers have been mostly special teams contributors with limited defensive snaps, but will soon be in line to be primary backups behind Trevathan and Roquan Smith. This isn’t necessarily a knock on them or their futures, but the Bears would be wise to add competition among the reserve ILBs. I wouldn’t use premium draft capital or free agent dollars to address it, but finding a late-round pick (the Bears do have two seventh-rounders) or locate a priority free agent who could be the next Kwiatkoski.
  • Ultimately, if it turns out the Bears signed a better player for a lesser long-term cost, tenths will be viewed as a good move by the team. Please stay healthy, #59.
  • It’s the first domino to fall in what is essentially the most important offseason of the Ryan Pace era. And while I’m unsure if NFL’s free agency period will start as scheduled (it might not!), it should certainly be an entertaining time to follow rumors and transactions alike.
  • Elsewhere, the Bears issued a statement about COVID-19 and canceled their draft party. All in the name of taking preventative measures. Good for them. Good for the other teams that are doing similar things. Good for the attempt to stem the further spread of this virus.
  • The NFL Draft is still going to go on as scheduled. For now …
  • Having contingency plans is good.
  • Whenever free agency begins, this top-10 list of available free agents is a good resource:
  • Three tight ends. Two right guards. Four wide receivers. No mention of the Bears as a possible landing spot, though my gut is starting to get a sense that the big splash isn’t coming unless it’s at quarterback (if at all).
  • Free agency is a buyer beware market. Tadd Haislop (Sporting News) provides a reminder of what happens when things go south. The Mike Glennon signing pops up as the second worst NFL free agency signing over the last 10 years. I still maintain that the free agent deal Glennon received wasn’t as bad as it is made out to be, if only because of how it was constructed. Some folks get caught up in the 3-yr/$45M part of it, when it amounted to a one-year deal that helped the Bears reach the spending floor and provided ample smokescreen for their draft plans. Of course, this would be an afterthought had their draft plans resulted in something better than what they have now, but that’s a different conversation for a different time.
  • The XFL’s re-boot year is in the books with the league postponing play. But XFL-related news could just be getting started:
  • Perspective from the players side of things in the wake of world-wide news and the current state of CBA negotiations:
  • written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    Latest News

    Braves vs. Phillies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Atlanta Braves start their season as road favorites (-125) in a matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday at 3:05 PM ET, live on BSSO from Citizens Bank Park.Spencer Strider will get the ball for Atlanta while Philadelphia will...

    Washington State vs. Illinois Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Two hot teams meet when the Washington State Cougars (21-14) host the Illinois Fighting Illini (17-15) on April 1, 2024. The Cougars will put their three-game win streak on the line against the Fighting Illini, who have won three straight.On...

    Villanova vs. Penn State Women’s Basketball: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Villanova Wildcats (21-12) will try to extend a three-game winning streak when they host the Penn State Lady Lions (22-12) on April 1, 2024. The Lady Lions have also won three games in a row.In its previous game, Villanova...

    Brewers vs. Mets Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Milwaukee Brewers open their season as -110 favorites in a road matchup with the New York Mets on Friday at 1:40 PM ET, live on SNY.Freddy Peralta gets the starting nod for Milwaukee while Jose Quintana is New York's...

    Braves vs. Phillies Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    The Philadelphia Phillies (0-0) host the Atlanta Braves (0-0) in an Opening Day contest at 3:05 PM ET on Friday.The Braves will call on Spencer Strider against the Phillies and Zack Wheeler.Braves vs. Phillies Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen: Friday,...

    Suns vs. Thunder Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22) are 2.5-point underdogs against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns (43-30) Friday, March 29, 2024 at Paycom Center. The game starts at 8:00 PM ET on KSBI. The matchup's point total is...

    Brewers vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    The Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) and the New York Mets (0-0) face off on Friday at Citi Field for Opening Day. First pitch is at 1:40 PM ET.The Brewers will look to Freddy Peralta versus the Mets and Jose Quintana.Brewers vs....

    Cavaliers vs. 76ers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Philadelphia 76ers (39-34) are 8-point underdogs against the Cleveland Cavaliers (44-29) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday, March 29, 2024. The game starts at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup's point total is set at 212.5.Our computer predictions...

    Heat vs. Trail Blazers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Portland Trail Blazers (19-54) will attempt to end an eight-game losing streak when they visit the Miami Heat (39-33) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at FTX Arena as heavy, 14-point underdogs. The contest airs at 8:00 PM ET on...

    Rockets vs. Jazz Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Utah Jazz (29-44) will try to end a seven-game losing streak when they host the Houston Rockets (37-35) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Vivint Smart Home Arena as 7.5-point underdogs. The contest airs at 9:30 PM ET on...

    more bears news