The Chicago Bears defense saw highs and lows in 2023. The defense as a whole is on an upward trajectory after head coach Matt Eberflus took over defensive play-calling duties for Chicago in Week 3 of the 2023 season. The Bears, along with San Francisco, had a league-high 22 interceptions throughout the year, aided by strong performances from linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. Edmunds had four picks on the year, along with All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson and rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. The secondary was the focal point of this defense, but defensive end Montez Sweat provided the spark (and pressure) this talented unit desperately needed.
One defensive unit failed to meet expectations, however.
Starting safeties Eddie Jackson and Jaquan Brisker struggled at times in 2023. For Brisker, it was his second year as a starter, and he looked much the same player as he did in 2022. He’ll continue to develop as this defense improves.
Regarding free safety Eddie Jackson, it’s likely time for the Bears to look elsewhere. Jackson looked ultimately lost at several points this season and struggled to stay healthy. The 30-year-old safety is a free agent in 2025 but carries a cap hit of some 18 million in 2024. Chicago will likely elect to get that money off the books ahead of next season.
The 2024 free agency class bodes well for a team like Chicago looking to improve at the safety position. The Bears would be wise to at least consider signing one of these names.
Three Safeties The Bears Could Target In Free Agency
Antoine Winfield Jr.(25), Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2023 Statistics: 6.0 Sacks, 6 Forced Fumbles, 3 Interceptions
By far the best available player at his position, Antoine Winfield Jr. would be a home-run free-agent acquisition for Chicago. Consequently, for a player of his caliber, the Bears would likely have to hand over a blank check to Tampa’s star free safety. Deserving for a player like Winfield Jr., but it remains to be seen where safety falls on Ryan Poles’ list of priorities this offseason.
Tampa Bay also has the franchise tag in its back pocket, making it highly unlikely Winfield Jr. will hit the open market. The situation deserves to be kept an eye on.
Geno Stone (24), Baltimore Ravens
2023 Statistics: 7.0 Interceptions, 9 Passes Defended, 68 Combined Tackles
Geno Stone is a former seventh-round pick and has been with the Ravens since 2020. Stone was signed to a one-year contract in March of last year. He will likely command a bevy of potential destinations due to his career year with Baltimore this season. The Ravens already have talented safeties in Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton, so it remains to be seen how much of a priority Baltimore makes Stone this offseason.
Some cite issues with tackling, but others applaud his physicality. If the Bears pursue Stone in free agency, he would mesh well with Jaquan Brisker to give this Bears secondary another hard-hitting safety.
Xavier McKinney (25), New York Giants
2023 Statistics: 3 Interceptions, 116 Combined Tackles, 2 Fumble Recoveries, 11 Passes Defended
After losing safety Julian Love to the Seahawks in free agency last year, the Giants turned to Xavier McKinney. The young safety stepped up. Under Wink Martindale’s defense, McKinney garnered a career-high in tackles this past season and likely made himself a more valuable player. McKinney also led the league in missed tackle rate at 5.7%.
Furthermore, McKinney reportedly had issues with Martindale throughout the season and could look for a new contract elsewhere. It’s unlikely the Giants use their franchise tag on McKinney as star running back Saquon Barkley is also set to enter free agency. McKinney is described as a young, versatile player who rarely misses tackles. He can play in almost any situation and would be a major upgrade from Eddie Jackson.
Other Potential Fits
Kyler Dugger (27) New England Patriots
Jeremy Chinn (25) Carolina Panthers
Chauncey Gardener-Johnson (26) Detroit Lions
Again, it remains to be seen how important the safety position is to Chicago’s defense in 2024. If viewed as a priority, the Bears have money to spend and a talented list of players to choose from.
Main Photo: Jeremy Reper – USA Today Sports
