Top five linebackers for Redskins to target in 2020 free agency

Nick Kwiatkoski may not be a household name but the Chicago Bears linebacker has been a strong backup and part-time starter for the past four seasons. And he could be a surprise name to get a solid contract on the free-agent market.

Kwiatkoski started a career-high eight games last season for Chicago and put up career-best numbers with 76 tackles, three sacks, and an interception. His play allowed the defense to continue on, for the most part, without missing a beat after Danny Trevathan suffered a season-ending injury.

The former fourth-round pick has only started 22 of the 57 career games he has played in. But he has the skills needed to be an impactful starter. He has a decent 6-foot-2, 243-pound frame and enough athletic ability to make plays in coverage. He really is a solid all-around player and doesn’t have many weaknesses.

The only concerns with Kwiatkoski are his lack of starting experience and the fact that he could be more of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type player. It’s never a bad thing to have those types of players around, but teams have to know their exact value to avoid overpaying for players without an elite trait.

Kwiatkoski would be an upgrade for the Redskins and would have a chance to improve considering that he’ll only be 27 in May. He could help out at middle linebacker or could play outside if the team thinks he’s a better fit out there. If the team is looking for a lower-cost option with upside, Kwiatkoski would be a nice addition who seemingly has a high floor and a good enough ceiling to invest in.