Chicago Bears 2018 Roster Turnover: Has the safety problem finally been solved?

Adrian Amos - Signed through 2018 - Amos took his demotion in stride and just keep working his butt off in camp, and when his opportunity arose he made the most of it. When the Chicago Bears signed Quintin Demps to man the strong safety position, Amos had to feel like his days in Chicago were numbered. He only played one defensive snap the first two games, and we didn’t hear a gripe out of him. Demps broke his arm in week three against the Steelers and Amos played the best football of his three year career after that.

Eddie Jackson - Signed through 2020 - I loved the Jackson pick in last year’s draft, and he was a day one starter. He not only started all 16 games as a rookie, but he played more snaps that any other Bear in 2017. He flashed some playmaking ability, and as he gains confidence in the pro game and in knowing his scheme of his defense, that ability will flourish.

I’m really excited to see Jackson’s growth in year two.

Quintin Demps - Signed through 2019 - It’s unfair to call the Demps signing a failure because he broke his arm in the third game of the season. The Bears needed to solidify the position and they had no idea Amos’ play would jump in his third year. Demps’ deal isn’t ridiculous, but the Bears may not want to pay starter money to him now that he’s likely a backup. If they decide to cut him, they’ll incur $666,667 in dead cap space, but save $3,593,750.

When looking at the safeties behind him on the depth chart, I think keeping Demps as insurance may be the wise thing to do.

Deon Bush - Signed through 2019 - Bush couldn’t even beat out a guy that was out of the league for some end of the year playing time on defense. When Amos missed three games the Bears turned to street free agent Chris Prosinski, who wasn’t even brought back to the Bears until November 30.

DeAndre Houston-Carson - Signed through 2018 - DHC may never be a defensive starter, but if he’s the last safety on the depth chart playing stellar special teams, he’ll have a Prosinski like career. He led the Bears with 10 solo special teams tackles, and he had 2 forced fumbles in the third phase as well. And he did this in just 11 games.

Deiondre’ Hall - Signed through 2019 - The Bears moved Hall to safety after being a cornerback as a rookie in 2016, but an injury stole all but two games of his sophomore season. He only played 1 snap on D and 21 on special teams in 2017. I liked Hall’s upside when they drafted him out of Northern Iowa, but injuries has been the story of his career so far.

Chris Prosinski - Free agent - Good luck in your future endeavors.

2018 OUTLOOK - I think there’s a chance the Bears part ways with the 32-year old Demps, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them draft a safety at some point if they do. If you count Hall as a safety, Ryan Pace has picked five in his three years as Bears GM. Reserve defensive backs need to be core special teamers, and I think a young, athletic safety can push Bush off the roster. I also think a healthy Hall could push Bush off the roster, but I’ll believe he can stay healthy when I see it.

Kyzir White from West Virginia (yes that is Kevin’s little brother) could be a mid-round guy if his numbers at the combine don’t pop. He’s a safety/linebacker hybrid that teams may not know what to do with. I’ve seen some scouting reports call him a day one starter at strong safety and others have him with a 5th round grade.

When I look over the free agency list, no one stands out to me as a must-have. There’s talent, but I just don’t see a reason to spend on the position with Amos and Jackson both coming off of solid seasons. Personally, I’d head into camp with this current group and spend and draft elsewhere. I’m not ready to anoint Amos as the long term answer deserving of a contract extension after his 2017 season, but if he improves again in 2018 it’s something the Bears should think about.

What are your thoughts at the safety position in 2018 for the Bears?