The Chicago Bears could use some help on defense. The team finished the 2015 regular season ranked No. 20 in points allowed per game (24.8) and No. 22 in rushing yards per game (120.9). Say what you want about Jay Cutler's moodiness, but the guy enjoyed a solid bounce back season this year as did the offense as a whole. That is why general manager Ryan Pace should focus Chicago's considerable resources this offseason on the defense.
When all is said and done, the new league year should open on March 9 with a 2016 salary cap set around $153 million. If that's the case, the Bears will have a whopping $58 million in cap space to spend.
"The defensive theme continues with the Bears, who desperately need playmakers in the middle of the defense," ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates wrote. "For a long, long time the Bears' defensive huddle was quarterbacked by a dynamic linebackers (be it Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs or both), though an infusion of speed and reliability would be a boost. The team owns the No. 11 pick in the draft, but a free agent who might make sense is Danny Trevathan, currently of the Broncos. He's only 25 and has familiarity with Bears head coach John Fox, Trevathan's head coach for his first three pro seasons.
"Denver has a checklist of free agents to take care of this offseason, led by Von Miller, Malik Jackson and potentially Brock Osweiler. Trevathan will likely hit the open market, and he'd represent a dependable, affordable and useful addition to Chicago's defense."
The fourth-year vet racked up 109 total tackles and two interceptions in 15 games this past season. He's averaging seven tackles per game in the playoffs so far. Though he's missed some time in the past two years due to injuries, it wouldn't be out of the question for him to command a deal that averages $5 million to $7 million per season on the open market. When healthy, he's a steady and sure handed tackler. Those would be welcomed qualities in Chicago.
