When Matt Eberflus was hired as the new Chicago Bears head coach, everybody knew changes were coming to the defense. The 3-4 is moving to a 4-3, which means the team has a greater need for off-the-ball linebackers. Though Roquan Smith is already in place, the team was absent two other starters. So they signed Nicholas Morrow, formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders. That was a decent start, but questions remain.
So it appears Eberflus decided to reach into his deep coaching background for more help. On Thursday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that the team met with veteran linebacker Anthony Hitchens. He spent the past four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, helping them win the Super Bowl in 2019 and get back there again in 2020. Hitchens spent his first four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys from 2014 to 2017.
Each of those years was spent with Eberflus as his linebackers coach.
#Bears brought in veteran LB Anthony Hitchens for a visit on Thursday. Hitchens played under coach Matt Eberflus when he was in Dallas.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) April 8, 2022
Hitchens had some productive years under his guidance. In 60 games, he collected 304 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception. Perhaps what stood out the most was his versatility. Hitchens showed he could play both outside and middle linebacker. Matt Eberflus has stated he wants players who can do multiple things well—having interchangeable players hold great value for a defense.
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It isn’t certain what Hitchens plans to do. He has his ring. It is possible he might be seeking the best payday he can get at this point of his career. He will turn 30-years old in June. This is likely his last chance to earn decent money from a team. Or perhaps he may hope to land somewhere that gives him another chance to get a second title. That puts the Bears in a precarious spot. They aren’t anywhere near contention and don’t seem eager to shell out big money for older players.
So it will take a strong recruiting pitch from Eberflus to bring such a deal together. There is no doubt Hitchens would be a quality addition to the defense.
