The Chicago Bears have some defensive needs this offseason, particularly in the secondary. With their current salary cap predicament — where they currently stand at $27 million with several moves left to be made — they’re going to need to find some affordable options.
The Bears are in search for someone opposite newly-extended Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson, who is the anchor of the backend of Chicago’s dominant defense. While the pairing of Jackson and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was solid, Clinton-Dix is likely to explore the free agent market this offseason.
Here are five safeties the Bears could target in free agency:
1. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
When the Bears signed Clinton-Dix to a one-year prove-it deal, this was exactly what they’d hoped they’d get. Quality production at the cheap price of $3 million. But that won’t be the case in 2020, as Clinton-Dix is expected to test the waters of free agency.
While the Bears loved the duo of former Alabama teammates Clinton-Dix and Jackson, they’re not likely to be able to afford him. Clinton-Dix more than proved that he’s earned a contract extension. Only, that’s not likely to come in Chicago, as the Bears face some salary cap difficulties.
2. Vonn Bell
Bell had a breakout season with the Saints in 2019, where he posted career highs in total tackles, pass breakups and fumble recoveries. He also notched his first interception and defensive touchdown of his career. Bell has a nose for the ball, which would serve well opposite ballhawk Eddie Jackson.
Not only would Bell come at a cheaper price than re-signing Clinton-Dix, but Bell plays strong safety, which would allow Jackson to move back to free safety where he thrived in his first two seasons.
3. Tony Jefferson
Jefferson spent three seasons with the Ravens, where he appeared in 35 games, recording 174 tackles, 11 passes defended, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. He suffered a season-ending knee injury after five games in 2019, and his replacement Chuck Clark’s performance showed Baltimore they might be fine without Jefferson.
Jefferson played strong safety with the Ravens, which would make him an appealing option for Chicago. With Clinton-Dix operating at free safety, Eddie Jackson was forced to move to strong safety. And while Jackson remained a force in the backend, he wasn’t his usual dominant self. The Bears should target a strong safety that will allow Jackson to move back to his natural role, and maybe Jefferson is their guy.
4. Karl Joseph
The Bears are in market for a safety that can be productive opposite Eddie Jackson, and also one that would be rather affordable given their salary cap situation. With Joseph coming off a foot injury that sidelined him for seven games in 2019, Chicago might be able to lock him up on a bargain deal.
While Joseph isn’t flashy, he gets the job done and would only serve to benefit from working alongside Jackson. According to Pro Football Focus, “Joseph is a player whose best role is in the box; he has picked up PFF grades between 67.6 and 74.5 in each of his four seasons with the Raiders, but he has earned a grade of 82.2 for his career when lined up in the box.”
5. Tavon Wilson
The Bears could turn to someone in the NFC North for some help at safety. With Chicago searching for a potential replacement for Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Wilson could be the answer for the Bears. Wilson is coming off one of his better years, where he had 98 tackles, five passes defensed, a sack and two fumble recoveries in 13 starts.
Wilson’s versatility is something that could benefit the Bears defense. Wilson’s played both strong safety and free safety, as well as cornerback. He’s even played some linebacker. Defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano could use him in different spots to help the defense.
