Broncos LB Danny Trevathan Expects Interest From Bears In Free Agency
By Chris Emma--
(CBS) Four years ago, then-Broncos coach John Fox was the first to give Danny Trevathan a shot.
Fox was part of the brain trust that selected the linebacker out of Kentucky in the sixth round of the 2012 draft. Trevathan has become a mainstay for the Denver defense ever since, but after Super Bowl 50 between his Broncos and the Panthers this Sunday, Trevathan is set to become a coveted free agent, one with whom the Bears hold high interest.
Could Trevathan end up in Chicago after this season? At the least, he expects interest from the Bears, who received inconsistent play from their linebackers for each of the past two years.
"I believe I can fit in any scheme," Trevathan told NFL.com. "Coach Fox is one of the guys that gave me the opportunity to showcase I can fit within the scheme. I'm sure it'll be there, I'm sure we'll end up talking, but right now my main focus is this game. Whatever happens, happens. This game could make or break my contracts. It's up to me to make the most of it. I think I'm doing a good job right now and I'm locked in and focused."
In 2015, the Bears were stuck shuffling at inside linebacker. Shea McClellin struggled, and Christian Jones was inconsistent enough to be an inactive in Week 15, with undrafted rookie John Timu getting his shot. Chicago has been open about inside linebacker being one of its biggest needs.
Trevathan posted a team-high 109 tackles with two interceptions in 15 games this season.
The Broncos built a daunting defense through the draft, but it will be tough to keep it completely intact. Edge rusher Von Miller is an impending free agent, and the Broncos figure to invest in reserve quarterback Brock Osweiler with retirement on the horizon for Peyton Manning. Nose tackle Sylvester Williams will be a free agent after 2016, so there's his future to keep in mind as well.
It means the Broncos will likely need to choose between Miller and Trevathan this spring, and utilizing the franchise tag on Miller appears to be the likely route. The Bears have long coveted one of the Denver defensive free agents, and it seems as if Trevathan will be the man on the market.
It was Fox who was part of developing Trevathan into the talented inside linebacker he is today. Now, his Bears could soon make their pitch for a massive upgrade to their defense.
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.