Chicago Bears: 6 Players who likely won’t return in 2020

Danny Trevathan, Linebacker

Trevathan suffered a gruesome injury against the Lions in Week 10. His arm bent in a way it wasn’t supposed to bend. The Bears probably put him on injured reserve, thus ending his season.

With that, Trevathan’s career in Chicago is probably over. He’s due to be a free agent at the end of the season and the Bears likely would have let him walk. This injury just seals his fate and the decision isn’t as difficult.

Trevathan was a productive player for the Bears and he did a great job of mentoring Roquan Smith. However, he’ll probably command a big contract in free agency, even after this injury. At 30, this is probably his last contract and he likely doesn’t give a deep hometown discount to stay with the Bears.

The Bears could stay in-house to replace Trevathan. Nick Kwiatkoski filled in admirably against the Lions. He had nine tackles, a sack and an interception. I don’t see him as a viable starter, though. He lacks the speed and athleticism needed to be a starter.

Joel Iyiegbuniwe is mainly used on special teams but is listed as a backup inside linebacker. I think he’ll get his shot to replace Trevathan. Unlike Kwiatkoski, Iyiegbuniwe has the speed and quickness, along with the cover skills, to be an effective starter. He’s spent two seasons sitting and learning how to play the position so the Bears know what he can or cannot do.

The Bears could also decide to go outside the roster to find a replacement but that could get expensive. With some moves, they can afford to make a big signing but it’ll be better that they do it on the offense. They could sign a vet to back up, however.