Offseason outlook: Bears have a starting void to fill at safety

(670 The Score) Veteran safety Eddie Jackson reflected with clarity and candor on what ended up being his final season with the Bears.

Jackson understood that 2023 might have been his final season with the Bears after seven years in Chicago, and that was the case as he was officially released by the team earlier in February.

“It means everything,” Jackson said. “Just coming here from Alabama and the tradition of it, the history is rich, man. Everything is just so family-oriented. When you walk through that lobby, you see all those Hall of Famers on the wall. Man, that’s the goal. Just to see the tradition the Bears have built – one of the first organizations – it just means a lot.

“It means everything. I love it. I enjoy it. And I don’t take it for granted.”

After the release of Jackson opened up more salary cap space, the Bears now have a void to fill at safety this offseason.

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment in an offseason outlook series exploring each of the Bears’ position groups. Click here to check out the others .

Who’s under contract: Jaquan Brisker, Elijah Hicks, Quindell Johnson, Douglas Coleman; Adrian Colbert
Free agents: Eddie Jackson (released)

2023 review
Part of why the Bears kept Jackson under contract in 2023 was for his leadership.

Beyond being voted a team captain last season, Jackson continued to work alongside young teammate Jaquan Brisker and serve as a mentor.

The 30-year-old Jackson was by Brisker’s side ever since Brisker was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, helping him get acclimated to the NFL. In those two years, Brisker went from being a soft-spoken rookie to an emerging leader. He followed Jackson’s example.

The Bears were pleased with what they got out of their safety position over the past two seasons. Brisker played in 15 games each season, posting 105 combined tackles and one interception in 2023 after racking up 104 combined tackles and one interception in 2022.

Jackson returned after suffering a season-ending Lisfranc injury in November 2022, but he was slowed by the aftereffects of the injury. He missed five games in 2023 as he struggled to reach full health. Jackson got his first interception of the season in December and finished with 37 combined tackles.

The Bears turned to second-year safety Elijah Hicks for six starts in 2023. A seventh-round pick in 2022, Hicks has become a quality reserve in the secondary.

What comes next?
Bears general manager Ryan Poles must now fill the void at safety.

With Brisker established as a starter in the box safety role, Jackson’s replacement must be strong in coverage.

The Bears have built a strong defensive core over the last two years, but they shouldn't take a shortcut for a key starting spot. While safety isn’t considered a premium position, it’s still an important piece of their defensive identity. So, should they look to free agency or the draft? How about both?

The Bears could start by pursuing a free-agent safety like Xavier McKinney (Giants) or Geno Stone (Ravens) to create veteran stability at the position, then also take a swing on the final day of the draft.

The 24-year-old Hicks could also factor into competition if there’s no clear-cut starter heading into training camp. He has earned the chance for that opportunity.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .