Bears training camp position preview: safeties providing support in secondary

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The Chicago Bears' safety room has the name recognition to be one of the stronger units on the roster, but last season, it was a bit of a weakness. What can fans expect this year?

Kevin Byard

Kevin Byard bounced back somewhat in 2024 after a rough 2023 season with the Eagles. Still, his play never quite reached the All-Pro level he showed during his peak years with the Tennessee Titans. At 32 years old, it’s unlikely he’ll return to those heights. However, as long as Byard can play steady, mistake-free football on the back end, the Bears will be satisfied with his veteran presence.

Jaquan Brisker

Brisker followed up his strong rookie season with a second year that could generously be called a plateau. Then, 2024 turned into a lost year as he missed most of the season due to injury. Additionally, Brisker created some controversy with social media comments about then-coach Matt Eberflus. Entering a contract year, he faces significant pressure to prove he can stay healthy and deliver on his potential.

Jonathan Owens

Owens saw more snaps than expected last season after Brisker’s injury. He remains a valuable depth piece and a trusted special teams contributor, though the Bears would prefer to keep him in that role with two healthy starters ahead of him.

Elijah Hicks

Hicks, a former seventh-round pick, enters his fourth season — an accomplishment on its own. He’s seen playing time in each of his first three years, though his on-field results have been uneven. Still, he offers solid depth and remains a reliable presence on special teams.

Tavarius Moore

Moore has spent the past two seasons with the Bears, appearing in 12 games last year as a core special teamer. He’ll once again compete for a spot at the bottom of the roster.

The rookies

The Bears also added a trio of undrafted rookies who will compete for a spot or a practice squad role:

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Alex Cook (Washington), Major Burns (LSU), Tysheem Johnson (Oregon)

All three will look to make an impression on special teams and provide developmental depth.