We’re just a couple weeks away from what’s poised to be a frenzied free agency. Despite their salary cap situation, the Bears are expected to be somewhat active as they look to address some concerns on their roster.
Chicago is in the market for an experienced veteran quarterback, as well as a tight end. But they also have some business to take care of in-house with their own pending free agents.
While the Bears would certainly like to re-sign everyone, there’s a good chance that they lose some key pieces to free agency.
Here are four players that the Bears risk losing in free agency:
1. ILB Nick Kwiatkoski
Perhaps the pending Bears free agent that will be in highest demand is inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski, who took full advantage of his opportunity last season. Kwiatkoski shined in relief of an injured Danny Trevathan, which gave the Bears something to think about at inside linebacker opposite Roquan Smith.
The Bears are reportedly making Kwiatkoski a top free agent priority this offseason, but they’ll have to wager with other teams in need of his services. While Kwiatkoski appears to be the younger, less injury-prone option at inside linebacker for Chicago, there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to lock him up in this competitive market.
2. S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
While the Bears were content with the Alabama duo of Eddie Jackson and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix last season, it sounds like they’ll have to find someone to line up opposite Jackson in 2020. Clinton-Dix was a valuable member of Chicago’s secondary that came at a much cheaper price than the departed Adrian Amos.
The Bears signed Clinton-Dix to a one-year prove-it deal last March, and he more than proved that he’s earned a contract extension. Only that’s not likely to come in Chicago, as the Bears face some salary cap difficulties with a need to sign an experienced veteran quarterback that would limit their spending.
3. DT Nick Williams
The Bears defense suffered some injuries to key defensive players last season, and one of the players that came up big was defensive tackle Nick Williams. Stepping up from a reserve role as the Bears battled injuries on the defensive line, Williams shined when called upon. Williams had 42 tackles, six sacks, two fumble recoveries and two pass breakouts in 2019.
If there’s one position group that Chicago appears most comfortable with it’s the defensive line, and Williams was a big part of their continued success in 2019. While Williams will certainly draw some heads in free agency, he has expressed a desire to remain in Chicago. He’s proven to be a productive player on an already-dominant Bears defensive front, but he’ll likely get a chance to make some money this free agency.
4. ILB Danny Trevathan
Danny Trevathan was playing some of his best football before suffering a gruesome elbow injury that ultimately held him out for the final seven games. While Trevathan has proven to be a valuable asset for the Bears over the last four years. But he’s also 30 years old with a history of injuries. Trevathan has missed 16 games since signing with the Bears prior to the 2015 season.
While the Bears are reportedly making Nick Kwiatkoski their top free agent priority, there’s no guarantee that they’ll ultimately be able to afford him. If the Bears can’t get lock up Kwiatkoski for an extension, Chicago could look to re-sign Trevathan for a cheaper price.
