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System fit signing by Bears linked to safety''s departure
//health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. gning-by-bears-linked-to-safety-s-departure.html
Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, July 23rd 2025 at 19:24 GMT by Sports Illustrated🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The signing on Tuesday of safety Tre Flowers eventually led to a case where someone had to go and it was one of their other safeties.
Bears Eye System-Fit Safety Signings Amid Key Departure at Position
In the ever-evolving landscape of NFL roster building, the Chicago Bears find themselves at a crossroads in their secondary, particularly at the safety position. With the recent departure of a longtime staple in their defense, the team is actively exploring free agent options that align seamlessly with head coach Matt Eberflus' defensive scheme. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to bolster a unit that showed promise last season but still has room for improvement in coverage and playmaking. The Bears' front office, led by general manager Ryan Poles, has been linked to several high-profile safeties whose skill sets could provide an immediate upgrade, fitting like a glove into the team's evolving system.
The catalyst for this shift was the surprising release of veteran safety Eddie Jackson, a move that sent ripples through the Bears' fanbase and the league at large. Jackson, who had been with the Bears since being drafted in the fourth round out of Alabama in 2017, was a cornerstone of the defense for years. His Pro Bowl appearances in 2018 and 2019 highlighted his ball-hawking abilities, with a knack for interceptions and game-changing plays. However, in recent seasons, injuries and a dip in performance led to questions about his fit in Eberflus' system, which emphasizes disciplined zone coverage, quick reads, and versatility in both run support and pass defense. The decision to part ways with Jackson, who carried a significant cap hit, freed up valuable salary cap space—estimated at around $12.5 million—allowing the Bears to pursue reinforcements without straining their financial flexibility.
Eberflus' defensive philosophy, honed during his time as the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, prioritizes a Cover 2-heavy scheme with elements of man coverage and aggressive blitz packages. Safeties in this system are expected to be rangy athletes capable of covering ground quickly, communicating effectively with cornerbacks, and contributing in multiple facets of the game. The departure of Jackson leaves a void alongside Jaquan Brisker, the promising second-year safety who emerged as a hard-hitting force in 2023. Brisker, drafted in the second round out of Penn State, brings physicality and instincts to the table, but the Bears need a complementary piece who can provide veteran leadership and consistency in the deep third of the field.
Enter the free agent market, where the Bears have been prominently linked to several safeties who embody the "system fit" that Poles and Eberflus are seeking. One name that has surfaced repeatedly is Justin Simmons, the former Denver Broncos standout who was released earlier this offseason in a cap-saving move. Simmons, a four-time second-team All-Pro, is the archetype of a modern safety in a Cover 2 scheme. At 30 years old, he remains one of the league's premier deep safeties, with exceptional range, football IQ, and a proven track record of interceptions—leading the NFL with six in 2022. His ability to diagnose plays pre-snap and make adjustments on the fly would mesh perfectly with Eberflus' emphasis on smart, assignment-sound football. Pairing Simmons with Brisker could create a dynamic duo, where Brisker's enforcer style complements Simmons' coverage prowess, potentially elevating the Bears' secondary to elite status.
But Simmons isn't the only option on the Bears' radar. Reports have also connected the team to Julian Blackmon, a versatile safety who spent the last four seasons with the Colts under Eberflus' tutelage. Blackmon, who transitioned from cornerback to safety, offers the kind of positional flexibility that Eberflus values. In Indianapolis, he thrived in a similar system, amassing 88 tackles, four interceptions, and eight passes defended in 2023 alone. His familiarity with the scheme could allow for a plug-and-play integration, minimizing the learning curve that often plagues free agent signings. At 25, Blackmon represents a younger, cost-effective alternative to Simmons, potentially signing a multi-year deal that aligns with the Bears' long-term vision.
Another intriguing prospect is Jordan Whitehead, who recently became available after a stint with the New York Jets. Whitehead's hard-nosed playing style and experience in various defensive fronts make him a dark horse candidate. While not as flashy as Simmons, his reliability in run defense and ability to blitz from the safety spot could add depth and toughness to a Bears unit that ranked in the middle of the pack against the run last season. The Bears' interest in Whitehead underscores their desire for players who can contribute immediately without disrupting the chemistry building under defensive coordinator Eric Washington.
Beyond these names, the Bears are also monitoring the market for potential bargains, such as Mike Edwards or Tracy Walker, both of whom have experience in zone-heavy defenses. Edwards, a Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, brings championship pedigree and a nose for the ball. Walker, formerly of the Detroit Lions, offers size and tackling ability that could shore up any weaknesses in the box. The key for Poles is balancing talent with cap efficiency, especially with other needs on the roster, including edge rusher and wide receiver to support quarterback Justin Fields or a potential rookie signal-caller.
This pursuit of a system-fit safety is emblematic of the Bears' broader rebuild under Poles and Eberflus. After a 7-10 finish in 2023, the team made strides defensively, forcing 28 turnovers and ranking second in the NFL in interceptions. However, inconsistencies in the secondary, exacerbated by Jackson's declining play and injuries to others, highlighted the need for reinforcements. Signing a player like Simmons or Blackmon could not only fill the immediate gap but also signal to the locker room and fans that the Bears are serious about contending in the NFC North, a division that features potent offenses in Detroit and Green Bay.
Analysts around the league have praised the Bears' approach, noting that targeting scheme-specific players reduces the risk of mismatched acquisitions. "The Bears are smart to prioritize fit over flash," one NFC scout told reporters. "Eberflus' system demands safeties who can read and react, not just athletes who chase highlights. Simmons or Blackmon could be transformative." This sentiment echoes the successful model employed by teams like the Buffalo Bills, who built a top-tier secondary around safeties like Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, both of whom excelled in similar schemes.
As free agency heats up, the Bears' war chest—bolstered by the Jackson release and other cap maneuvers—positions them well to make a splash. With over $60 million in projected cap space, they have the flexibility to outbid competitors for their top targets. However, the market for safeties is competitive, with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers also in need of secondary help. The Bears must act decisively, perhaps even exploring trade options if free agency prices escalate.
Looking ahead, the integration of a new safety will be crucial during offseason workouts and training camp. Eberflus has emphasized building cohesion, and a veteran addition could accelerate that process, providing mentorship to younger players like Brisker and cornerback Kyler Gordon. If the Bears nail this signing, it could be the missing piece in a defense that has the potential to carry the team, especially if the offense continues to develop around Fields or a new quarterback.
In summary, the Bears' linkage to system-fit safeties in the wake of Eddie Jackson's departure represents a calculated step toward defensive excellence. By targeting players who align with their scheme, the team is positioning itself for sustained success, blending youth with experience in a bid to return to playoff contention. As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Chicago to see if they can secure the right piece to fortify their secondary and take the next leap forward. (Word count: 1,048)
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/nfl/bears/system-fit-signing-bears-linked-safety-departure ]
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