Chicago Bears still need a safety as Ha Ha Clinton-Dix signs with Cowboys

The Chicago Bears have not been able to retain some of their players this offseason. Another one leaves as Ha Ha Clinton-Dix signs with the Cowboys.

The Chicago Bears still have plenty of holes to fill. Many fans were hopeful that Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was staying in Chicago, but with the team’s current salary cap situation, it makes sense why he moved on. Clinton-Dix is moving on to play for the Dallas Cowboys.

The big problem is that the Chicago Bears have very little money left to spend. In fact, as we speak the team is over the cap. That number could change once we know exactly how Nick Foles contract has been restructured. Until then, we must assume they are out of money. This leaves little room for free agency moves. This is also why Clinton-Dix has probably moved on as it seemed he really enjoyed playing here in Chicago.

Numbers are not out yet, but the one positive about this is that the Chicago Bears have another player who is compensatory eligible. With the team losing the likes of Nick Kwiatkoski, Chase Daniel, Nick Williams and Kevin Pierre-Louis, it has left many holes to fill for Ryan Pace. Most were depth positions but still contributed heavily in 2019. The good news is, these could lead to two or three compensatory picks in 2021. Lucas would drop and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix will likely be a fifth.

Earning compensatory picks are great, but this team needs help now. Could someone on the team be on the move? Or will Ryan Pace look to fill holes in the draft? The team is in desperate need of a right guard. Now they will also need to add a safety and a corner. This does not include depth moves. The 2020 NFL draft has a deeper offensive line class. Finding a starter in the second-round is possible, but that is quite the gamble. I’d expect Pace to sign a cheap body off the street.

The other option is that the Bears are more excited about Alex Bars than they showed in 2019. The team did block the Patriots from taking him off their practice squad last season. I honestly would be okay with Bars starting at right guard, but the team still needs to add more. My assumption is a cheap body in free agency (do not expect someone great) and at least one draft pick. The team might even take two in the draft — an interior lineman and a tackle.

What about safety though? With Ha Ha Clinton-Dix on the move, the team will need to find a safety to pair next to Eddie Jackson. Pace shipped off their fourth-round pick for Nick Foles. This leaves little draft capital to find a starting safety.

If Pace can restructure a few contracts and sign Allen Robinson to an extension, he should hopefully have a little more breathing room with the salary cap. This could lead to the team adding someone like Andrew Sendejo or maybe Tony Jefferson. Jefferson is probably too expensive but would be a nice addition. The team needs a true strong safety that allows Jackson to play his natural free safety position. Other names include John Cyprien, Eric Reid or maybe Rashad Jones.

Happy for Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and hope he gets a huge payday, but frustrated to now wait and see who Pace can find to replace him.