Nobody remotely considered the possibility that Danny Trevathan was going anywhere when training camp opened last month. Both because the Chicago Bears still valued him as a leader and also because his contract made it impractical. Not to mention they didn’t have anybody on the roster ready and able to replace him. That last part seems to have changed following the arrival of veteran Alec Ogletree.
It seems his tremendous training camp and preseason might have the Bears brass wondering if it might be a good time to consider moving on from Trevathan. The 31-year old missed extended time with knee soreness and didn’t return until the preseason finale. A game where he played and Ogletree didn’t. This tweet by Chicago Tribune insider Brad Biggs was rather interesting in its wording and timing.
Danny Trevathan showed the #Bears what they wanted to see in preseason finale after missing more than a week with knee soreness.
Worth noting Alec Ogletree was held out of the game and releasing Trevathan (who has $3M in base salary guarantee) would create $482K cap savings.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 31, 2021
Biggs isn’t known for random statements like this.
When he puts something out, it usually means he might be hearing something. He was the one who first broke that Kyle Fuller was in danger of leaving. The same with Akiem Hicks. That doesn’t make Trevathan being gone a lock, but it sounds like the Bears are at least considering it. Does it make sense? Not for 2021. However, by releasing him now the team would set themselves up for a nice salary cap boost in 2022. Upwards of $3.5 million.
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Conversely, were the Bears to wait until next year they’d have to use a post-June 1st designation to get that money. Meaning they wouldn’t be able to use it for free agency next spring. Considering the work this roster needs and how much they want to build around Justin Fields? It makes sense they want to line that money up as soon as possible.
Danny Trevathan may have saved himself for now
His strong showing against Tennessee in the preseason capped by an interception might’ve assuaged fears about whether the team could trust him. The linebacker was a liability in coverage last year and seemed to have lost some of his trademark speed. So when he developed a knee issue in camp, that undoubtedly didn’t help matters. There is still time before the NFL deadline for the team to pull a shocker.
Or perhaps they could also trade him. Smart money says the Bears at least considered the idea but will choose to keep Danny Trevathan around. He’s still valued in the locker room and the team already created some annoyance with the release of Kyle Fuller a few months ago. That said, such a move shouldn’t be considered a shock. Trevathan is not part of the Bears’ future. If he isn’t gone this year, he almost certainly will be in 2022.
Best to stay tuned.
Trevathan did play every game last year. The Bears will have Eddie Goldman back at nose tackle, so that should make his life easier. Maybe he can turn back the clock one more time to give the team a standout season. Then again, with Ogletree being younger, cheaper, and better in coverage? It wouldn’t be a huge shock if the team sent #59 on his way. Another reminder that age is catching up to the defense.