Ways to Fix the Chicago Bears Safety Position in 2017

The Bears have several players already on the roster who they might utilize at the safety position next season.  Not one is a true Pro Bowl caliber player.  However, the Bears may choose to do something important with these guys in the off-season.

Looking at each one we might be able to determine who might stay and who might go.

Adrian Amos, a two-year starter, statistically had a solid season but he did have breakdowns at points in games.  He remains an adequate but not spectacular starter but could start opposite someone else in the lineup.  That’s if the Bears were to bring someone else in.  You can expect to see him around in 2017.  But will he start?

Deon Bush played in eleven games with six starts before getting hurt.  He showed some promise but needs to gain more experience before he can be relied upon to be a full-time starter.  Bush isn’t going to wow too many people thought but he can start if needed.  He can provide adequate depth as well should the Bears choose to bring in a more talented player as the starter.  He will be around in 2017.

Chris Prosinksi is coming out of his one-year deal with the Bears and it’s unlikely they are going to bring him back.  While he is a fine special teams player, he is not a starter and doesn’t perform well when he backs up.  You could tell that the coaching staff was not impressed with him because they started less experienced players instead of having him start.  He covers a little better than he supports the run but just doesn’t have enough talent to stick with the squad any longer.  The Bears may not re-sign him.

Harold Jones-Quartey is an interesting player.  He has starting experience and is a solid run defender.  Anyone who has been keeping track of the Bears will know just how hard a hitter he is.  But he is not a good coverage safety and can give up big plays.  If all he could do is play the run, he would be a starter in every game but that is not realistic.  Chicago may consider keeping him around for depth next season but he is not going to start.

DeAndre Houston-Carson is another first-year safety who saw some time on the field although it was limited.  He played in eight games with no starts.  The Bears will keep him around next season because of what they have invested in.  But he will probably just be a depth player and not a starter.  It will be interesting to see how he develops because he is talented and could be a good backup in the future.

Demontre Hurst can play both safety and cornerback so he is versatile.  His is, however, one of those guys that can back up but not start effectively.  In 2016, Hurst played in ten games with one start and had an interception in the Bears’ second game against the Lions.  He has been with the Bears for three seasons and will be a restricted free agent this off-season.  They might just bring him back.  He’s been a decent backup and comes cheap.

The Bears have some decisions to make with this group.  You could see them keeping Amos, Bush, Houston-Carson and possibly Hurst.  The rest of them may get their walking papers this off-season.