Report: Bears release veteran safety with Vic Fangio ties

A seven-year safety with ties to new Eagles DC Vic Fangio will be available this offseason.

Per multiple reports, the Bears have released veteran safety Eddie Jackson to create cap relief.

The #Bears have released veterans S Eddie Jackson and OL Cody Whitehair, who had combined salary cap numbers of roughly $32M. Even more cap space for Chicago.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 15, 2024

Jackson, 30, has played the entirety of his career in Chicago and will now seek a new home in 2024.

The former All-Pro was a fourth-round pick by Fangio in 2017 and saw his best years within his system. In two seasons under Fangio, Jackson recorded 96 tackles, 21 passes defended, and eight interceptions (three for touchdowns).

With Fangio now in Philadelphia, Jackson would be a natural fit, although age could play a factor. The Eagles traded for Kevin Byard during the season with little to no results — GM Howie Roseman may elect to get younger on the back end.

Safety is a critical position in Fangio’s scheme, however, and Jackson brings plenty of experience. With Byard a likely cut candidate for Philadelphia (would save $13M in cap space), safety must be addressed through free agency or the NFL Draft.

6 INTs. 👀
3 TDs. 👀@ChicagoBears S @ejackson_4 earned a spot in his first #ProBowl!

📺: Pro Bowl | Sunday 3pm ET on ESPN pic.twitter.com/3DIkjsrPZF

— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2019

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports