The Chicago Bears made a major impact during the opening hours of NFL Free Agency as they have signed former Denver Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan. This move will immediately upgrade a Bears linebacking corps that had no real playmakers to speak of during the 2015 season. He will also rejoin John Fox as another former Bronco who has found a home in Chicago.
Trevathan should be comfortable with Chicago's 3-4 defense as he played in it for 3 years under Fox. Trevathan was already certain that he would end up talking to his former coach, saying as much during Super Bowl week,
"Coach Fox is one of the guys that gave me the opportunity to showcase I can fit within the scheme," Trevathan said. "I'm sure it'll be there, I'm sure we'll end up talking."
In 2015 Trevathan was a huge piece of the Denver defense that went on to win Super Bowl 50. He recorded 15 starts, 109 combined tackles, 6 passes defensed, 2 interceptions, and a defensive touchdown during the 2015 NFL season. For his career he has amassed 282 combined tackles, 3 sacks, 19 passes defensed, 5 interceptions, along with 3 forced fumbles.
It is a major loss for the Broncos who already watched as Malik Jackson and Brock Osweiler departed during free agency. Trevathan has been incredibly productive for the Broncos throughout his career and now he will attempt to make as much of an impact in Chicago as he did in Denver.
By signing Trevathan the Bears eliminated an immediate need that will help them, especially when it comes to the 2016 NFL Draft. The Bears could be looking to pair Trevathan with a young linebacker they pick up come April.
Wednesday wasn't all defense though, as Chicago also signed offensive lineman Bobby Massie to help protect Jay Cutler.
The signing of Massie is huge for Cutler as he should have more time to complete passes and, presumably at least, prevent turnovers. The Bears are looking to make some major changes heading into the 2016 regular season and it is a good sign that they are dealing with their roster needs now rather than waiting for the draft to force their hand.
