If you’re trying to put together the Chicago Bears’ 2016 NFL free agency puzzle, one of the most logical pieces that lines up with the team’s most pressing needs is Broncos’ linebacker Danny Trevathan.

At only 26 years old, Trevathan is considered the top inside linebacker who will hit the free agent market. The Broncos slapped the exclusive rights franchise tag on Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, leaving Trevathan free to navigate the free agency waters.

Connecting the dots between Trevathan and the Bears is an easy task. He was drafted in the sixth round — pick No. 188 — by the John Fox-led Broncos after a productive career in the SEC for the Kentucky Wildcats. After a mostly-reserve rookie season, Trevathan was named a starter in 2013 totaling 129 tackles, two sacks and three INTs.

The 2014 season was a major setback for him. He suffered three separate injuries to his left knee, causing him to miss all but three games of the season. The injuries were so bad that Trevathan underwent surgery on January 6, 2015; his left kneecap was replaced.

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His future was very much in doubt after the procedure. It was the topic of discussion prior to the 2015 season:

Trevathan answered the critics with the a phenomenal year in 2015. He was one of the main cogs in the Broncos’ championship defense, totaling 109 tackles and two INTs in 15 starts. He proved he is back to full health and is ready to cash in on the free agent market.

In order for the Bears defense to take the next step in its development, a franchise-caliber stud needs to be added at inside linebacker. The days of first-round underachiever Shea McClellin and a collection of undrafted free agents roaming the second level of the defense has to end, and Ryan Pace has a chance to take a massive step in that direction by signing Trevathan.

According to reports, Trevathan is seeking a multi-year deal in the area of $7 million per season. Spotrac.com projects his market value as six years, $36 million. The Bears will have to be aggressive for his services; a realistic milti-year offer will push the $40 million range.

It’s quite the accomplishment for a player who was once an overlooked NFL Draft prospect. Here was his scouting report from NFL.com:

Trevathan is a fluid athlete who is undersized but crafty and uses his athletic ability to stay active. In the right NFL system that can keep offensive linemen off him, likely a 4-3 scheme, Trevathan can hit a lane hard and make plays in the backfield. He struggles to get free once blockers engage him, which will be a persistent problem. Due to his athletic ability and enormous production, he has fourth-round value and could be selected even earlier by a team looking to take a risk on an undersized guy capable of contributing immediately on special teams.

While Trevathan was projected to be a higher pick than his eventual sixth-round draft position, his ability to overcome a disappointing draft-day experience and career-threatening injury are quality traits that suggest he is the kind of player you want to be part of a rebuilding process.