The Packers finally got their Bears defensive back.
Tuesday, one year after the Packers tried — and failed — to lure restricted free agent cornerback Kyle Fuller away from their rivals, they landed safety Adrian Amos. He’ll make $37 million over four years, per NFL Network, and get $21 million in his first two years.
That price proved too steep for the Bears, who next year will try to give fellow safety Eddie Jackson an extension. The Bears likely couldn’t palate devoting that much money to one position group. General manager Ryan Pace made a similar decision Monday, deciding to sign veteran nickel back Buster Skrine instead of keeping Bryce Callahan, who figures to get a larger contract than the $8.5 million guaranteed and $16.5 total Skrine took home.
— Adrian Amos (@SmashAmos38) March 12, 2019
The Bears will have a new strong safety next year — either a free agent, draft pick or incumbent backup Deon Bush. Former Seahawks safety Earl Thomas is the biggest name left in a deep free agent class of safeties. The Bears won’t draft until the third round because of their trades for outside linebacker Khalil Mack and receiver Anthony Miller.
Amos got a big payday after starting 56 times in his four years with the team. He was a solid contributor in Vic Fangio’s defense. Pro Football Focus rated him the third-ranked safety — Thomas and the Vikings’ Harrison Smith — over the past three years combined.
Amos seemed to be struggling Monday night, Tweeting: “Hard times don’t last .. life is full of ups and downs keep plugging away because regardless.What’s for you is for you.”
