3. Tashaun Gipson
The Bears were always going to cut safety Eddie Jackson this offseason. It made sense for several reasons, whether it be the financial aspect or the fact that his level of play dropped off significantly over the last couple of years.
Now, the team has a hole at free safety with Jaquan Brisker manning the other spot. With Brisker being better toward the line of scrimmage and playing that box role, the Bears need to find a guy who is more suited to play further back.
33-year-old veteran Tashaun Gipson has been a starter everywhere he's been, including the 2020 and 2021 seasons with Chicago. Over the last two years, he's started for the San Francisco 49ers and is coming off a year that saw him get oh, so close to a Super Bowl victory.
In 2023, Gipson was given a strong coverage grade by Pro Football Focus (73.5) but what's more impressive is the fact that, even at his age, Gipson is still a force against the run. He's a well-rounded safety who can play both in coverage and is a willing helper at the line of scrimmage.
Next to Brisker, Gipson would come in and start yet again for the Bears. This defense is already a very good unit, and Gipson would allow them not to miss a beat, and in fact, be even better than they were last year.