March 09--The Chicago Bears have made their first major move in free agency, agreeing to a deal with Super Bowl champion Danny Trevathan, who will provide a badly needed upgrade at linebacker.
ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to break the news of Trevathan's signing on Wednesday, minutes after the NFL's new league year began.
Terms of the contract are not yet known, but it's believed Trevathan was seeking a contract averaging at least $7 million per season.
Trevathan, 6-foot-1, 240 pounds, was the leading tackler for the NFL's No. 1 defense and has great familiarity with coach John Fox, who was in Denver when the Broncos made him a sixth-round draft pick in 2012. Now Trevathan is expected to become one of the higher-paid inside linebackers in the league, especially in a 3-4 defense.
The 25-year-old was a sixth-round pick in 2012 from Kentucky. He also has become more versatile with the switch to a 3-4, proof he'd fit in just fine if he reunited with Fox. He has more range than anyone the Bears played at inside linebacker last season.
"Coach Fox is one of the guys that gave me the opportunity to showcase I can fit within the scheme," Trevathan told the Tribune on media day at Super Bowl 50.
Trevathan became a starter during the 2013 season and missed the majority of the 2014 season with a knee-cap injury. He transitioned to the 3-4 scheme the Broncos switched to under Wade Phillips last season and has the speed to play in coverage.
"Danny's got great instincts," said Broncos linebackers coach Reggie Herring, who was previously with the Bears. "Extremely quick, explosive tackler. He has all the skills, take-on, run, hit. Really just an overall excellent football player."
