Chicago Bears 2017 Roster Turnover: It’s time for an upgrade at safety

Adrian Amos - Signed through 2018 - Amos showed promise as a rookie in 2015, but he didn’t build off that last season. Through 30 NFL starts, he’s yet to intercept a pass, and he only has one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Successful NFL safeties create turnovers and Amos hasn’t shown a knack for doing so. He won’t turn 24 years old until this April, so his game could improve, but the Chicago Bears can’t count on that.

Deon Bush - Signed through 2019 - In 11 games (6 starts) Bush, a 4th round draft pick, didn’t do much of anything. He had 1 pass defended, 16 solo tackles and 5 assists. He has youth on his side, but he didn’t show the skills to be counted on either.

Harold Jones-Quartey - Signed through 2017, then he’s a restricted free agent - HJQ was benched for a bit last year, but he still played in all 16 games, making 11 starts. He was 2nd on the team with 74 total tackles. He’s a guy that would probably be best as a backup/special teamer.

DeAndre Houston-Carson - Signed through 2019 - The rookie couldn’t break through and earn much playing time on D, but he did manage to make it in for 25.7% of Chicago’s special teams snaps, while playing in 7 games. His future may be as a core special teamer replacing this next guy.

Chris Prosinski - Free agent - The soon to be 30 year old Prosinski is a decent special teamer, but the Bears probably should let him walk as a free agent.

2017 OUTLOOK - Sign a starting safety in free agency and add to the position via the 2017 NFL Draft. I’m not sure if the Bears see the value in taking a guy like LSU’s Jamal Adams or Ohio State’s Malik Hooker with the 3rd overall pick, but if a safety is high on their board in the 2nd or 3rd, they better pull the trigger. Guys like Washington’s Budda Baker, Utah’s Marcus Williams or Obi Melifonwu from Connecticut could all be in play in the 2nd-3rd round range.

I looked at some of the top free agent defensive backs that will be available this offseason in the above related article, and Robert looked at the top free agent safeties on the market earlier today in this related article;

Eric Berry of the Chiefs, Arizona’s Tony Jefferson and D.J. Swearinger, Jacksonville’s John Cyprien, Dallas’ Barry Church, Tennessee’s Rashad Johnson, someone, anyone would be an upgrade over what we’ve seen in Chicago the last 2 seasons.

Bears’ GM Ryan Pace must address the safety position and if he has to overpay to do so, then so be it. Chicago can not trot out the same group of non-playmaking safeties for Vic Fangio’s defense in 2017.