Free Agent Breakdown: ILB Danny Trevathan
By Dan Durkin--
(CBS) The Bears kicked off the 2016 season by addressing one of their most glaring weaknesses. Here are some details about the newest member of the Chicago Bears.
What happened: The Bears signed inside linebacker Danny Trevathan to a four-year deal. Financial figures have yet to be revealed.
Player bio bits: The 25-year-old Trevathan is entering his fifth NFL season. A University of Kentucky product, he was selected in the sixth round of the 2012 draft by the Broncos, when current Bears coach John Fox was still in charge in Denver. He's made 32 NFL starts, over which he's compiled 208 solo tackles, five interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), three sacks and three forced fumbles. He has 275 total tackles including assisted tackles.
How Trevathan fits the system: Last season in Denver, the 6-foot-1, 240-pound Trevathan played the weak inside linebacker position, known as the "Jack" linebacker in Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's scheme. Whether he's been identified as a "Mike" or "Jack" in Chicago remains to be seen. His skill set transcends both positions. He's an explosive, sure tackler who plays with excellent vision and instincts to locate the ball. He's relentless in his pursuit of the football from sideline to sideline.
Perhaps Trevathan's biggest asset is his coverage ability. He's amassed 16 passes defended and has shown the range and ability to flip his hips and mirror running backs out of the backfield or run with tight ends up the seam. In 2013, he was Denver's dime linebacker, which speaks volumes about his coverage ability.
Last season, Fangio was forced to use four different inside linebackers throughout the season, typically subbing players based on base or nickel downs. In Trevathan, the Bears have a true three-down linebacker who can thrive in any situation and against any personnel grouping.
Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.
