Chicago Bears roster: Position group previews ahead of training camp

Chicago Bears Safeties

Some feel that Eddie Jackson took a step back in 2020. After recording 10 interceptions in his first three seasons, he didn’t have any in 2020. That stat is a little misleading, though. He had three interceptions wiped out because of penalties. Two of them would have been touchdowns. If those plays weren’t brought back, the conversation would be different. He hopes he doesn’t have more of his interceptions and touchdowns taken off the board in 2021.

Tashaun Gipson will once again be Jackson’s running mate, playing the strong safety spot. He had a fine season in 2020, recording two interceptions. He also had 66 tackles, the second-highest total of his career (he had 95 in 2013 when he was a free safety).

Having Jackson and Gipson gives the Bears a strong safety tandem. They complement each other well. As I mentioned, the conversation about Jackson would be very different if those big plays he made ended up on the board. They didn’t, however, so now he has a chip on his shoulder to show the doubters they are wrong about him.

Gipson is a good, consistent player. Since 2014, he’s recorded between 41 and 66 tackles every season. In his nine years in the league, he’s had an interception every season and has a total of 25.

The Bears have Deon Bush and DeAndre Houston-Carson as the main backups. They’ve each had good seasons as backups throughout their careers.

Additionally, the Bears have Marqui Christian and Jordan Lucas battling for a spot on the roster. If either or both of them make the roster, they likely appear more on special teams than as safeties.