Inside linebacker Danny Trevathan is set to hit the open market this spring and, when he does, he believes that his former coach will make a run at him, as Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post writes. Trevathan and John Fox have history from their time together in Denver and, if Sunday is his final game in orange, Chicago would be a logical landing spot for him. 
“Coach Fox is one of the guys that gave me the opportunity to showcase I can fit within the scheme,” he said. “I’m sure it’ll be there, I’m sure we’ll end up talking, but right now my main focus is this game. Whatever happens, happens. This game could make or break my contracts. It’s up to me to make the most of it.”
Trevathan was Denver’s leading tackler in 2013, but he registered just 11 tackles across three games for the Broncos in 2014 thanks to a left medial tibial impaction fracture. In 2015, Trevathan has looked like his old self. In 15 regular season contests (all starts), the inside linebacker recorded 109 total tackles, six pass deflections, and two interceptions – one of which led to a defensive touchdown.
A former sixth-round pick, the linebacker earned just $660K in 2015. Needless to say, Trevathan is looking forward to a contract that matches his performance. “We’re going to get paid,” said Trevathan in January. It remains to be seen how the market will unfold for the 25-year-old (26 in March), but Mike Klis of 9NEWS estimated that he will net a contract worth $3MM-$6MM annually. The Broncos will look to retain him, but other free agents like Von Miller, Brock Osweiler, and Malik Jackson are higher priorities. Meanwhile, backup inside linebackers Todd Davis, Corey Nelson, and Zaire Anderson could step up to fill the void if Trevathan goes elsewhere.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Ranking as the clear fourth-highest priority — in terms of value — among the Broncos’ UFAs, Trevathan is probably headed out of Denver like Malik Jackson. But his 2015 season enhanced his value, showing ability to thrive as an inside man in a 3-4. Coupling this with the last time he played in a 4-3 scheme on the outside for a full season (2013), when he was the Broncos’ leading tackler, and he could have deceptively strong value on the market. The Bears would be an obvious fit, given John Fox’s place there. I’d expect Trevathan to sign a deal that averages on the higher end of Klis’ projection.