Chicago Bears: 5 Best free agents still available at safety

Eric Reid

Eric Reid had a tumultuous time in the NFL over the past few years. He joined Colin Kaepernick in protesting police brutality and saw himself looking for a job. He also joined Kaepernick in filing a grievance against the NFL.

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Unlike Kaepernick, however, Reid ultimately found a job. The Carolina Panthers signed him in 2018. He had a pretty good run in Carolina, recording 201 tackles, 11 passes defended, two fumble recoveries, five sacks and an interception. In 2019, he was a bright spot on an otherwise dark Panthers season in which they went 5-11.

Surprisingly (or not to some people), the Panthers cut Reid in March. He’s still unsigned, and the Bears should do their due diligence on him.

Reid is still just 28 years old and is playing well. He’s always played well since the San Francisco 49ers drafted him with the 18th overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft. Pace spent this offseason signing other teams’ first-round picks so he could continue the trend with Reid.

Pairing Reid with Jackson would give the Chicago Bears the best and toughest defensive backfield in the NFL.

The Panthers signed Reid to a three-year, $22 million deal. After just one season (a successful one at that) they dropped him and acquired $5 million in dead cap money. With some pocket change, Reid could sign a short deal with a team.

If he signs with the Bears and plays well again, he could cash in again. That is especially true If he performs well on arguably the best defensive unit in the league.