Is this free agent linebacker a perfect fit with Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are going to have to find a linebacker to step in next to Roquan Smith. Danny Trevathan is still signed, but considering his age and recent play, they are likely best off moving on from him. Every other linebacker is a free agent.

Speaking of moving on, it may end up being a player that the Kansas City Chiefs recently moved on from that winds up being the replacement for Trevathan.

The Chiefs moved on from Anthony Hitchens, who Chicago Bears fans have to at least consider the possibility that he will be the free agent that signs to play next to Smith.

This is because Hitchens started his career with the Dallas Cowboys in 2014. His linebacker coach in 2014 just so happened to be Matt Eberflus. From 2014 through 2017 Eberflus and Anthony Hitchens were in the same room together.

You could assume that there is mutual respect, and considering Hitchens was drafted into the linebacker room, Eberflus approved of him.

When Eberflus moved on, it was not long until Hitchens moved on as well. This time Hitchens signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Of course, do you know who else was working with the Chiefs at that time? The Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles was in the college scouting side, but in 2019 worked Pro Personnel, which meant evaluating Hitchens directly.

Ryan Poles will likely step out of the box and sign someone he has not had a relationship with before. Still, when the dots connect that Poles and Eberflus both worked with Anthony Hitchens, you have to pay attention.

Yes, the Kansas City Chiefs let him walk, but the reality is that the decision was monetary-related. Hitchens was still performing but was becoming more of a situational player who is better against the run. He was not quite deserving of the higher-end money he was getting.

The Chicago Bears are going to extend Roquan Smith this offseason. Considering they are paying a lot for Smith they have to try to find a bargain at the position next to him.

In dime situations, they will bring in an extra safety, so having a run-stuffing, blitzing linebacker to compliment Smith makes plenty of sense.

Hitchens is 29 years old, while Trevathan is 31 years old. The Chicago Bears should not do what Ryan Pace did and give Hitchens a contract similar to the one that he gave Trevathan. However, a one-year deal and a cheap one-year deal would make him the perfect candidate to step in beside Roquan Smith.