Here are some of the top landing destinations for two-time Pro Bowler safety Eddie Jackson this offseason. The Chicago Bears are moving on from their long-time veteran but he hasn’t been garnering any attention from teams. Jackson was one of the cuts that was a part of the Bears saving salary cap but the writing was on the wall for him. He didn’t play to the expectations but he remains a cost-effective free agent that any team can pick him up that needs some depth at the safety position.
In the past two seasons, he’s been starting in 100 games and has seven interceptions under his belt in seven years. Many were expecting like most free agents that they would find a team after this year’s NFL draft but that hasn’t been happening. Jackson isn’t the best available safety on the market but if he still feels like he still has gas in the tank then he could sign soon. However, he had one of the worst seasons in memory last season and would’ve carried a $18.14 million cap hit in his last year of contract.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Bears found his replacement quickly after signing another former All-Pro, Kevin Byard. They have similar characteristics and ball-hawking abilities but Chicago feels like a change was what they need. Byard has been more consistent over the past seven seasons, earning a run-defense grade of 72. Jackson still remains available among other safeties like Justin Simmons, Jamal Adams and Micah Hyde.
The chances of him going to a roster are slim but if a team wants someone for cheap and to fill depth then that’s their best option. Adams and Simmons probably are demanding bigger contracts so Jackson remains available.
Top Landing Destinations for Two-Time Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson
Potential Fits
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens had one of the best defenses last year but things are going to be a bit different. However, numerous reports say that Baltimore is still looking to add depth to the safety position. They had to see many players walk this free agency including Geno Stone to their bitter rival. The Ravens have nothing to worry about as far as having Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams as the ultimate safety duo.
However, they shouldn’t rely on Lamar Jackson’s offense performing well while the secondary collapses. One injury to the safety position could cause turmoil for their push in a Super Bowl run. Stone wasn’t the whole defense but they may as well get a cost-effective option like Eddie Jackson. He isn’t your permanent man for the job but he’s good enough to make a couple of plays that will matter.
New Orleans Saints
Tyrann Mathieu still remains one of the best safeties in the league today. No one is topping the abilities he’s bringing to change the game. However, it’s hard to see him as the lone star carrying the secondary on his own for the immediate future. The Saints are still in salary cap hell so they may as well go cheap and bring Jackson in for a year.
He isn’t the permanent solution but he could be in the rotation to dissect who’s the next man up to take over the secondary alongside Mathieu.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers roster this year looks fascinating on paper but Jim Harbaugh wants a strong defense. Los Angeles was already in debt this time around but they could use an upgrade in the safety position. It isn’t entirely the biggest need but Derwin James and Alohi Gilman need some reliability behind them. Harbaugh shouldn’t imagine what happens if his defense cracks in his first year as coach.
