Chicago Bears: Defensive back targets in 2019 NFL free agency
Tre Boston, Safety – 26 years old
I don’t understand the way teams underappreciated the play of Tre Boston. In his last two seasons, he recorded 158 tackles, 11 sacks and 17 passes defended. That is good work for a safety. However, he played for two different teams and is about to play for a third.
Boston’s ability to do a bit of everything fits right in with the Bears. Having him together with Jackson strengthens the defensive secondary and makes the defense even scarier than it is now.
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Boston was a 2014 fourth-round draft pick of the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers cut him in 2016 after an injury. He signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on a “prove it” type of contract. He had a good season, recording 79 tackles and intercepting five passes.
Despite his good play, the Chargers did not bring him back. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals and had another good season. He again recorded 79 tackles and had three interceptions. Again, however, it looks like the Cardinals won’t resign him and he’s available.
Even though he had an injury, Boston’s been a pretty dependable player. He’s been in on 2,829 snaps (950 in 2018). According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), quarterbacks have just a 61.9 passer rating when throwing his way.
While the Cardinals have a pretty dependable safety, they also have D.J. Swearinger. Also, their priority this offseason is on their offense. They have the No. 1 overall pick and may want to look to deal to pick up more picks, as they have a lot of holes to fill.
I think a Jackson-Boston safety combination strengthens the Bears defense and that’s something fans love and opponents dread.
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