The Bears defense battled countless injuries in 2019, including the loss of starting inside linebackers Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks.
But the Bears saw several reserve players step up in those starters absences, perhaps none more impressive than inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski, who thrived in relief of Danny Trevathan.
Kwiatkoski had career highs with 76 combined tackles, three sacks, four pass breakups and a safety, as well as one forced fumble. He was one of the better defenders down the stretch for the Bears.
Kwiatkoski is someone that should offer optimism for the playoff-less Bears heading into 2020, according to Pro Football Focus.
While Kwiatkoski is a free agent, he was a bright spot for the Bears defense, filling in admirably on his 512 snaps this season. He came out of college as a solid run defender who overcame a lack of great physical tools by usually being in the right place in coverage, and that’s exactly what he did this season for the Bears. Kwiatkoski finished with a solid 72.6 overall grade while making 26 defensive stops and breaking up three passes, and that performance makes him a valuable piece to re-sign in free agency.
Kwiatkoski’s performance this season was more than enough to garner a contract extension from the Bears this offseason. The Bears have a few inside linebackers that are pending free agents, including Kwiatkoski, Trevathan and Kevin Pierre-Louis.
