Danny Trevathan to Bears: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

In the span of four years, Danny Trevathan went from a sixth-round pick to being one of the best linebackers in the NFL. On Wednesday, the 25-year-old cashed in, as the Chicago Bears announced they have signed the linebacker to a four-year contract. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter initially reported the contract was in place. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network added the deal was for four years and "roughly" $28 million.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller is a big fan of the deal:

CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli believes Trevathan's signing will allow Chicago to focus on other areas of need in the draft:

"

I like the idea of the Bears signing Trevathan for a couple reasons.

1. He’s good and stuff
2. I’d rather they draft a DL in 1st round.

— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) March 8, 2016"

Before the Denver Broncos had even won Super Bowl 50, the Bears were being mentioned as a possible destination for the free-agent-to-be, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post:

The Broncos selected Trevathan with the 188th overall pick in the 2012 draft—part of the compensation Denver received in the Tim Tebow trade.

Following a relatively nondescript rookie campaign, Trevathan had a breakout year in 2013, recording 152 combined tackles, two sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. His emergence undoubtedly played a role in the Broncos' conference championship that season.

Trevathan then experienced an injury-plagued 2014. First came a fractured kneecap during practice in August that forced him to miss a stretch of games at the start of the season. Then in December, he dislocated the same kneecap, which ruled him out for the remainder of the year.

"I'm just doing everything I need to do," Trevathan said in June 2015 regarding his recovery and eventual return, via Jhabvala. "It's all about getting this leg to the best of its ability. I went through surgery, and I'm feeling good right now, but I want to make sure I feel great before I go out there again."

The veteran linebacker was none the worse for wear in 2015, leading the Broncos in tackles (109), while Pro Football Focus graded him as the league's 10th-best LB. As the Denver Post's Troy Renck argued, Trevathan was one of a few Denver defenders who could've easily earned a trip to the Pro Bowl:

Even as important as he has been to the Broncos when healthy, re-signing Trevathan was always going to be difficult. The Denver Post's Cameron Wolfe highlighted a few of the Broncos stars in line for a pay raise:

Much like the Seattle Seahawks, the Broncos are quickly learning how difficult it is to keep an entire defense together, especially one that includes relatively younger players. General manager John Elway couldn't afford to keep everybody, and Trevathan was one such player.

Trevathan should provide an immediate impact for Chicago. There isn't a notable weakness in his game. He can rush the passer, drop back in coverage or attack the line of scrimmage to shut down opposing running backs. He'll be the best linebacker the Bears have had since Lance Briggs.

The Bears are also a great fit for the player, since he's joining John Fox's staff. Before becoming Chicago's head coach, Fox worked in Denver and helped turn Trevathan into the player he is today. He'll know exactly how to get the best out of his newest signing.

While he may not be the kind of elite defender with the potential to wreak havoc on every play, Trevathan was among the most talented players available this offseason. As long as his performance level doesn't drop significantly in the next few years, he should more than pay back the Bears' investment.