Potentially a question mark entering the offseason, the Chicago Bears quieted the doubters when they signed safety Tashaun Gipson to replace Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who departed in free agency. Clinton-Dix was persuaded by friend and former Alabama teammate to join the Bears on a one-year, “prove-it” deal, which turned into another one-year deal with the Cowboys.
In order to accommodate Clinton-Dix, All-Pro safety Eddie Jackson slid over to strong safety, taking him away from plays on the ball. Now that Jackson is back in his natural position at free safety, the Chicago Bears defense should get a significant boost.
Let’s review what the Bears safety room looks like as a whole.
Eddie Jackson
Back at free safety this season, Jackson should be more comfortable doing what he does best, which is making plays on the ball. The former fourth-round pick has quickly become one of the best safeties in the league, highlighted by an All-Pro year in 2018 where he tallied six interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.
Both of Jackson’s interceptions last year came in desperation mode for the opposition, but the Bears will be counting on him to create turnovers this year.