Chicago Bears: 5 defensive free agents to cut ties with

5. Inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski

Yes, this means I believe the Bears should bring back Danny Trevathan. When heathy, Trevathan is an elite player. People tend to overlook him at times, but when Trevathan is not on the field, the Bears miss him dearly. With Nick Kwiatkoski, the Bears get a very serviceable backup.

Kwiatkoski has always filled in commendably in Trevathan’s absence, which makes me think he will get paid to be a starter elsewhere.

This is a position which I believe Pace will choose one over the other, instead of totally re-working it. Unlike safety or edge rusher, this should be a position where Pace chooses to keep one of the guys. Trevathan is far too valuable to this team when on the field. He has to come back — period.

As for Kwiatkoski, I have become a big fan of his. Upon entering the NFL out of West Virginia, he became one of the Bears’ key reserves and special teams guys. He is someone you never have to worry about in terms of doing his job. He does it — game-in and game-out.

It would hurt to see him leave, but I don’t think there’s any shot the Bears have enough to keep him, especially as a backup.

You never know. Pace might surprise us and keep Kwiatkoski as the starter inside next to Roquan Smith. But, that spot should be Trevathan’s, no question.