Chicago Bears: Defensive back targets in 2019 NFL free agency
Adrian Amos, Safety – 25 years old/Bryce Callahan, Cornerback – 27 years old
The crop of safeties in this free agency class is a little thin. Actually, there are some at the top, like Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Tyrann Mathieu, and Lamarcus Joyner, who will get big contracts. The Chicago Bears aren’t in the market for big-ticket players at a premium cost.
The Bears may decide that they’d be better off keeping what they already have. There’s something to be said about keeping continuity. Adrian Amos is familiar with the defense. Even though there will be a few wrinkles with new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano. He also complements fellow safety Jackson.
Amos was the Bears’ fifth-round draft pick in 2015 and he’s played well for Chicago. In his four seasons, he started 56 games and is coming off his best season in 2018. He had career highs in tackles (73), interceptions (2), and passes defended (9). In fact, he has 3 interceptions in his last two seasons. Add Jackson’s eight interceptions and the Bears’ starting safeties are real ball hawks.
The Bears don’t want to get into a bidding war to retain Amos. Some teams might see his success and how he performs with the most dominant defense in the league in 2018 and may want him to help. While that may happen, I only see one team who might really want him — the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos hired Vic Fangio to be their head coach. He knows Amos well and may want him to come to Denver and help improve an already pretty good defense.
As we saw for Callahan, he was the second-highest ranked cornerback in the NFC North. After two nondescript seasons to start his career in 2015 and 2016, he’s made an impact the last two years. He has four interceptions, a forced fumble and three sacks. He’s starting to hit his stride and should continue to improve.
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As long as the price for Amos and Callahan doesn’t skyrocket, the Bears should be in good shape to resign them. They already decided to keep the continuity by re-signing offensive tackle Bobby Massie.
There are some cuts to be made so they could afford the two players and add some depth elsewhere, but it doesn’t appear to be something too difficult to accomplish. Of course, there’s still just over three weeks before free agency begins and a lot can happen between now and then.