5 veteran players the Chicago Bears can do without in 2022
By Ryan Heckman
The Chicago Bears could do without linebacker Danny Trevathan
When the Bears signed Danny Trevathan back in 2016, he was an ascending linebacker who brought intensity and physicality to this defensive unit. He was a much-needed breath of fresh air to a group lacking the speed and attitude that Trevathan brought to Chicago.
However, he is now 31 years old and is not going to be a fit in this new defensive scheme. He’s slowed down a bit over the years and his body has not held up as well as he’d like to see in recent seasons. Over the last three seasons, Trevathan has missed 19 games. Even in his first season with the Bears, he missed seven games.
If the Bears designate Trevathan as a post-June 1 cut, then they save $3.28 million against the cap. If he stuck around, then the Bears would be banking on Trevathan’s health and his ability to still play great football at the middle linebacker position. That’s banking on quite a bit that isn’t anywhere near a certainty.
The Bears could find another middle linebacker via free agency or the draft and save money in the process, which they should. This unit doesn’t need an aging veteran, whose health is a question mark, at one of the most important positions on this defense.