Chicago Bears: Three more players who might be finished in Chicago

Nick Kwiatkoski – ILB

Here is the thing, one or both of Nick Kwiatkoski and Danny Trevathan are out the door in Chicago. My money is on Trevathan staying over Kwiatkoski. Reports are coming out that Kwiantoski could be highly coveted this offseason. Just like Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Kwiatkoski has been rumored as an offseason target for many teams, including the green and gold villans to the north.

Kwiatkoski was always viewed as a special team player who could step in on short notice and fill in for the short-term. Last season though, the young inside backer stepped up and proved he could handle the starting role. He started eight games for the Chicago Bears and recorded 56 solo tackles. He even racked up eight tackles for loss and a safety.

Injuries will never really a concern for Kwiatkoski, however, only time will tell if those pop up as he plays more regularly. Kwiatkoski will turn 27 during the 2020 season. One knock on him was that he was too slow to keep up with tight ends or slot receivers in coverage. Although I would not trust him in single coverage against speedy slot receivers, he proved serviceable in this area in 2019.

My assumption is Ryan Pace will allow Kwiatkoski to test free agency and once he is available, he will not return. This is the right move too. The team should not overpay for Kwiatkoski, no matter how much I like him. Replacing an inside linebacker next to Roquan Smith is easier than finding other positions of need this offseason. The team needs to allocate money elsewhere and this is why I see Kwiatkoski no longer being in a Bears uniform to start of the 2020 regular season.