Nick

Kwiatkoski

Two weeks shy of his 29th birthday, the former Bear made 20 appearances for the Raiders over the past two seasons. That included 12 starts in 2020, though his playing time was much more limited last year. Considering his advanced age and signing at this late stage of the market, Kwiatkoski will be far from a lock to crack the Falcons’ 53-man roster. If he does, he will be counted on to plug the run and provide some special teams snaps.

Of course, the Raiders were the ones who literally just cut Kwiatkoski in March. They have shored up their linebacker corps since then, but could still use some depth. Perhaps Kenny Young’s signing was a choice between the two for Las Vegas. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that Kwiatkowski has also visited the Falcons and had “at least” one more visit scheduled.

The move saves Las Vegas just over $3 million against the cap. A fourth-round pick by the Bears back in 2016, Kwiatkoski never lived up to the three-year, $21 million deal he signed with the Raiders in 2020. Despite that disappointment, he should field some interest on the open market.

Kwiatkoski played 57 games for the Bears after they selected him in the fourth round of the 2016 draft. He set career-high marks in starts (8), pass deflections (4), sacks (3) and tackles (76) in 2019. It’s a solid addition for the Raiders after they finished last season ranked 26th and 24th in yards per play and points per game allowed, respectively.

Trevathan’s elbow seemed to bend the wrong way while bringing down Jeff Driskel in the first quarter. Nick Kwiatkoski will finish out the game at linebacker for Chicago. Trevathan logged three tackles prior to exiting.

The Bears traded up for Kwiatkoski, who was productive for West Virginia before turning in a strong Combine performance. Kwiatkoski is a strong tackler who also holds his own in coverage. Versatile, he could get some rookie snaps on defense.

A fourth-round pick last year, Kwiatkoski held his own in seven starts as a rookie, and he thinks he can be even better this year. “I’m just making decisions quicker, seeing things,” the sophomore said. “Having that experience and just seeing things over and over and over again helps a lot.” Losing Freeman is a downgrade for Chicago’s defense, but Kwiatkoski should be able to hold down the fort.

Kwiatkoski went down early in the first half. He was listed as “questionable” to return by the irascible John Fox, but won’t be coming back today. He’s been replaced by Christian “Cheese” Jones. Kwiatkoski himself was already filling in for Jerrell Freeman, who is coincidentally done for the season with a pectoral injury.

The Rams receive picks No. 117 (4th) and No. 206 (6th). Kwiatkoski (6'2/243) made 38 starts for the Mountaineers, compiling 28 career tackles for loss, six interceptions, and three forced fumbles. He was named first-team All-Big 12 by the conference’s coaches as a senior. Kwiatkoski helped himself in Indy, running 4.73 with a 10-foot broad jump and 32-inch vertical. A high school safety, Kwiatkoski made college starts at WILL, SAM, and MIKE linebacker and is an efficient tackler with some playmaking ability in coverage. Kwiatkoski will focus on special teams early, but he could make a run at defensive snaps in a year or two.

It’s rather unbelievable, as Sunday was Kwiatkoski’s first start in place of Jerrell Freeman, who tore his pec in Week 1. A 2016 fourth-rounder, Kwiatkoski had been someone the Bears were anxious to get more playing time. His loss will be particularly troublesome against the run. 2014 UDFA Christian “Cheese” Jones is expected to slide into Freeman/Kwiatkoski’s spot.