Chicago Bears: Predicting the final 53-man roster for 2021

Chicago Bears Safeties, Special Teams

Free Safety: Eddie Jackson

Jackson looks to improve from last season. After recording 10 interceptions in his first three seasons, he didn’t have any in 2020. To be fair, however, he had at least two pick-sixes wiped out due to penalties.

Strong Safety: Tashaun Gipson

While Jackson didn’t record any interceptions Gipson had two of them. He had another solid season and the Bears eventually re-signed him to another one-year contract. He and Jackson make a good duo so having them return was an easy decision to make.

Backups: Deon Bush, DeAndre Houston-Carson

Bush has been a solid backup for the Bears. He was his same dependable self during training camp.

Houston-Carson is another dependable backup safety. He also helps on special teams.

Special Teams: Cairo Santos (kicker), Pat O’Donnell (Punter), Patrick Scales (long snapper)

Santos had an incredible season in 2020 and the Bears rewarded him with a three-year, $9 million contract (there are an additional two voidable seasons worth $7 million). He wants to build on that super season.

O’Donnell starts his eighth season with the Bears. Last season, he averaged 45.7 yards per punt, the largest average of his career.

Scales is starting his sixth season as the long snapper. He’s had some competition for the job in the past but he had smooth sailing this season without any competition.