Bears Insider Teases a Possible Surprise Move at Inside Linebacker

One of the more interesting subplots for the Chicago Bears over the next two months will be their inside linebacker situation. Danny Trevathan and Nick Kwiatkoski are both free agents this March. Both played really well in 2019. Trevathan through the first half of the year and then Kwiatkoski when he went down with his nasty elbow injury. This leaves the Bears with a tough choice. They don't have a lot of money to spare, so they have to pick one to keep.

The established leader or the up-and-coming youngster?

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune though wasn't quite all-in on either guy. He suggested that there is a Door #3 for the Bears to consider. One that would ultimately be healthier in regards to their long-term flexibility. Not just on the salary cap but the draft as well. It would involve letting both players walk and retaining another who actually showed out well this past year.

"The Bears could choose a cheaper option and perhaps look at Pierre-Louis, who runs a little better, on a short-term deal, maybe a two-year contract. Let’s see how this plays out. All three should have options. Keep in mind if Trevathan and Kwiatkowski leave via free agency and the team opts to re-sign Pierre-Louis, it could potentially benefit in 2021 with compensatory draft picks."

Chicago Bears would be taking a calculated risk with that

Something to remember here is the Bears view Roquan Smith as their future. He is going to be the centerpiece of their inside linebacker position. He was playing like a starter late last season before tearing his pectoral. Provided he recovers fully and continues to play at that level moving forward, he's going to be the main guy. So it might make sense for the team to play the cheaper angle at the other spot.

Kevin Pierre-Louis was an unexpected bright spot for the team. After Smith's injury, he was thrust into the starting lineup and played surprisingly well. Over the final four games, he had 28 tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, three passes defended and an interception. His speed and aggressiveness stood out. A good fit for Chuck Pagano's defensive scheme. He is 28-years old so not over the hill. It isn't a crazy idea.

Doing so would save the Bears millions in cap space and potentially land them two compensatory draft picks in 2021 depending on what kind of deals Trevathan and Kwiatkoski sign elsewhere. Not to mention a third they might get by letting Ha Ha Clinton-Dix walk as well.

This is not to say it will happen, but it's certainly an idea. An interesting one.