Should the position safety depth be a concern for the Bears?
The Chicago Bears' 53-man roster is taking shape, but there's an unaddressed question: do the Bears have enough depth at safety?
Earlier this week, DeAndre Houston-Carson joined the Baltimore Ravens. Although DHC wasn't a defensive standout and is now 30, many, including myself, believed he should have returned as the Bears' third safety. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
Eddie Jackson and Jaquan Brisker are expected to start at safety. As long as they remain healthy, they'll be playing every defensive snap for the Bears. While some may argue that safety depth isn't a concern for a roster still being finalized, it could become a significant issue.
Brisker has missed considerable time in August due to injury. Jackson has sat out eight games over the past two seasons and has recently been dealing with injuries as well. It's likely the Bears' third safety will see some action this season. Elijah Hicks has shown promise against the Colts in joint practices and the first preseason game, but he's been consistently beaten on deep completions by Justin Fields.
Kendall Williamson hasn't seen much action at camp and appears destined for the practice squad. Adrian Colbert has been a practice squad player for the last five years and hasn't demonstrated he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster. That leaves AJ Thomas, who started alongside Hicks against the Colts when Brisker and Jackson were sidelined.
Thomas was an undrafted free agent in 2022 and spent most of last season on the practice squad. He did see some late-season action due to team injuries. Thomas is back this year and seems to be the fourth safety on the roster. He's made some solid plays, including an interception against Tennessee.
Hicks and Thomas have emerged as the primary depth options at safety. The question is whether they can hold their own on defense when called upon. Secondaries are only as strong as their weakest link, and with no other veterans at safety, one of these players will have to step up and perform when inevitably needed this season.
| POLL | ||
19 AOUT | 23 ANSWERS Should the position safety depth be a concern for the Bears? Should the position safety depth be a concern for the Bears? | ||
| Yes | 10 | 43.5 % |
| No | 13 | 56.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
