57 days until Chicago Bears 2017 season kicks off: Dan Skuta
By Josh Diaz
The Bear Goggles On Countdown to Kickoff series is underway. With 57 days to go until the Bears season kicks off, we will highlight linebacker, Dan Skuta.
2016 Review
Dan Skuta, 31, is an eight-year veteran coming out of Grand Valley State in Michigan. He has played for the Bengals, 49ers, and most recently the Jaguars.
Skuta had 15 tackles and no sacks in the 13 games played this past season. Skuta is a valuable special teams contributor and has excelled in that role throughout his career.
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2017 Outlook
Skuta will come in as a versatile backup and provide the depth on the defense the Bears are in need of. He can play inside linebacker and outside edge rusher because of his size at 6-2 252 pounds. The injuries last year to Danny Trevathan, Jerrell Freeman, Leonard Floyd and Pernell McPhee depleted the linebackers and left the defense with no veteran help in the middle of the field. He will likely be given a solid amount of playing time while Danny Trevathan is recovering from his patellar tendon (right knee) surgery.
Future with the Bears
Dan Skuta signed a one-year deal with the Bears, and will be given a chance to gain a roster spot in the linebacker rotation with the Bears. What the future holds for Skuta is up to his in-game performance this season. The defense needs to show improvement from last year, and if Skuta can help bring that to the table it might be enough for a small contract.