Bears improve linebacking corps, land T'eo

by Chris Bearman

Blogger, Chicago Tribune

In an effort to improve coverage in the linebacking corps, the Bears had to deal with a divisional rival - something coach Bob Winuvas doesn't normally care to do. But, in this case, he made an exception considering the player coming back to him - linebacker Manti T'eo - has proven a solid contributor since coming over to Green Bay from San Diego two years ago.

Over the last two years, T'eo has amassed 128 tackles and 2 interceptions while anchoring the Packers' defense. In exchange, the Bears give up their own middle linebacker, Jon Bostic, as well as second year halfback Johnathan Bass, who saw his workload disappear once the new coaching staff arrived and signed Reynaldo Ball.

"(Jon) Bostic is a good player, but we needed more instincts and coverage ability, and Manti (T'eo) gives us that I feel. We lose a little atheticism but we gain the potential for big play ability in coverage, and that I feel is important for this team right now," Coach Winuvas said of the move. "Plus, Johnathan (Bass) needed a place where he could grow, and we didn't have room for him in our future plans. Good move I feel all around."

The Packers get even more athletic at the linebacker position, with Eric Kendricks already in the fold, and gain speed at the halfback position. Will the Bears ultimately come out on top of this trade? Only time will tell.