Bears Sign LB Danny Trevathan To 4-Year Deal
By Chris Emma--
(CBS) Just minutes after the new league year began Wednesday, the Bears added a game-changing player at one of their biggest positions of need.
Chicago signed inside linebacker Danny Trevathan to a four-year deal. He played a leading role on the Super Bowl champion Broncos rock-solid defense last season.
The deal is worth up to $24.5 million, with $12 million guaranteed, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Durkin: In Trevathan, Bears nab true three-down linebacker
Vic Fangio's 3-4 defense has desperately needed help at inside linebacker, with the the Bears working Shea McClellin, Christian Jones and John Timu at the position last season but failing to find a true fit.
Listed at 6-foot-1, 240 pounds, Trevathan recorded a team-high 109 tackles for the Broncos in 2015, adding two interceptions along the way. A 25-year-old four-year veteran, he was drafted in the sixth round in 2012 by John Fox's regime in Denver.
Chicago has long been considered the favorite to land Trevathan this offseason. Targets Malik Jackson (Jaguars), a Broncos teammate of Trevathan, and guard Kelechi Osemele (Raiders) were among the first free agents to go off the market Tuesday.
Prior to Super Bowl 50 in February, Trevathan was asked about the possibility of rejoining Fox in Chicago. He hinted at what was to come.
"I believe I can fit in any scheme," Trevathan said. "Coach Fox is one of the guys that gave me the opportunity to showcase I can fit within the scheme. I'm sure it'll be there, I'm sure we'll end up talking, but right now my main focus is this game. Whatever happens, happens. This game could make or break my contracts. It's up to me to make the most of it. I think I'm doing a good job right now and I'm locked in and focused."
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
