Six days. That is how long remains until NFL free agency is expected to begin. Four days until the legal tampering period starts and teams are allowed to contact available players. The Chicago Bears have undoubtedly been working hard behind the scenes to figure out their plans. One of them involves a final decision on what to do with linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski.
The 26-year old picked the perfect time to play his best football. Over the second half of 2019, he stepped in for the injured Danny Trevathan and was a constant playmaker. It was a sign that he could end up being a long-term starter. One the Bears reportedly would like to see happen in Chicago. Unfortunately, there is a belief his market will be strong next week. To a point where he could be priced out of their range.
If that weren't bad enough, Sheil Kapadia of The Athletic predicts he won't be going very far once he leaves.
"88. Nick Kwiatkoski (LB): Packers
Kwiatkoski got a chance to start eight games last year with the Bears because of injuries to other players and performed well. He flashed as a three-down linebacker and showed exceptional ability as a blitzer, finishing with three sacks. Kwiatkoski replaces Martinez in Green Bay’s scheme."
Losing Nick Kwiatkoski to Green Bay would sting
This would feel like the Adrian Amos situation all over again. A player the Bears found later in a draft, developed into a quality starting-caliber guy only to see them take their talents to the very team they've been trying to overcomes for years. At the end of the day, the NFL is a business but it's hard not to feel a certain sense of betrayal with decisions like that. The Packers are reported to have an interest in Kwiatkoski for sure. Hardly a surprise given how bad their inside linebacker spot is.
Much of this depends on what happens in the next four days. The Bears may yet find a way to reach some sort of common ground with Kwiatkoski on a long-term extension. If not, the odds are they will move fast to bring back Trevathan who is also a free agent. From there, one can only hope somebody other than the Packers makes a strong enough push to get him.
