Jon

Bostic

Bostic played the last three years with Washington, but appeared in only four games last year after tearing his pectoral muscle. There’s not much veteran depth behind Pete Werner and Demario Davis, so Bostic might have a real shot at a roster spot despite the late signing.

Washington linebacker Jon Bostic unnecessarily hit Dalton in the head as Dalton slid at the end of a short run. Bostic was ejected from the game after the flagrantly dirty hit. Rookie QB Ben DiNucci came in for Dallas and immediately hit Amari Cooper for a 31-yard gain. Dalton will be evaluated by the Dallas medical staff.

The deal includes $1.75 million guaranteed. Bostic was PFF’s No. 64 overall LB among 99 qualified players in 2019. The former-Bears LB has played 86 games since 2013, racking up at least 50 tackles in all but two seasons. Of course, the league’s No. 24 overall defense in DVOA will need to do more in order to fix the unit ahead of the 2020 season.

Reuben Foster was placed on IR in a corresponding move. Bostic started 14 games for the Steelers last year, so this isn’t just a depth signing. He should push for significant snaps.

Bostic was a 14-game starter for the Steelers last year. He became expendable after they drafted Devin Bush. The Ravens are the first team to show interest in Bostic since his release. Bostic would give Baltimore a veteran on the inside after losing C.J. Mosley to the Jets.

Bostic started 14-of-16 games last season but played a modest 561 snaps, splitting time between the middle and weak-side. A pure run-stopper, he had a replacement-level year. Bostic’s release comes after the Steelers drafted two inside linebackers, including Devin Bush at No. 10 overall.

Bostic is capable of playing all three linebacker spots, but he shouldn’t have any trouble beating out D.J. Williams at his natural position. The Bears will likely go with a committee of Williams and James Anderson on the strong side. Fourth-round pick Khaseem Greene projects as Lance Briggs’ eventual replacement at weak-side linebacker.

Bostic, a physical thumping linebacker, is expected to compete with veteran D.J. Williams for the starting middle linebacker job as a rookie. If Bostic beats him out, then Williams could move to SAM linebacker. First-round pick OG Kyle Long is the only Bears’ draft pick yet to sign.

Bostic is a physical inside ‘backer with an NFL starting skill set. Clubs reportedly believe he can be a “three-down defender,” which enhances the value of ILBs. Bostic has visited the Browns, Bears, and Colts before the draft.

It’s the highest pick the Bears have used on a linebacker since they took Brian Urlacher ninth overall in 2000. And now that Urlacher is gone, Bostic will serve as the early-down replacement. Bostic (6-foot 7/8, 245) started 32 games at MIKE linebacker for the Gators, amassing 19 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He ran 4.61 at the Combine with a 1.58 ten-yard split and 22 bench reps. Bostic is a physical thumper with short-area burst and NFL starter potential.