The Chicago Bears had an important decision to make at inside linebacker in choosing between Danny Trevathan or Nick Kwiatkoski. While an argument could be made for both, Chicago ultimately chose to go with Trevathan.
Considering reports that the Bears were making Kwiatkoski a top free-agent priority, there were questions about whether money was one of the determining factors.
The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to terms with Kwiatkoski on Monday, and it turns out Kwiatkoski’s contract wasn’t far off Trevathan’s.
Details about Kwiatkoski’s deal with the Raiders have been released, and he’s set to make $21 million over three years — a max of $24 million — and $3 million in reachable incentives. He’s also due $13.5 million in guarantees.
By comparison, Trevathan’s three-year extension has a base value of $21.75 with a max value of $24 million with incentives. Trevathan also receives $14 million in guaranteed money.
The deals are nearly identical, although Trevathan got the slightly bigger deal, which indicates that the Bears had their pick between Trevathan and Kwiatkoski. And they ultimately chose to stick with the proven veteran in Trevathan.
While Kwiatkoski is the younger and healthier option, Trevathan has been the heart of Chicago’s defense since his arrival. Not to mention, he was playing some of his best football before a fluke elbow injury sidelined him in Week 10 for the remainder of the 2019 season.
