The Chicago Bears recently made the difficult decision to cut team leader Eddie Jackson. Jackson was a captain and spent the first seven seasons of his career in Chicago. However, the Bears are getting younger and the move freed up around $12M in cap space for the team.
The team not only moved on from Jackson but veteran offensive lineman Cody Whitehair as well. The Bears are now expected to have around $66M in cap space, which is the third-most in the league.
Replacing Jackson's production won't be easy. The defensive back is a two-time Pro Bowler and was a First-team All-Pro selection in 2018. Jackson started 12 games in 2023 and collected 37 tackles, five pass defenses, and one interception.
Today, let's identify three realistic options to replace Jackson in 2024. We will review one option already on the roster, one upcoming free agent, and one draft prospect.
Elijah Hicks is an option on the roster already
Hicks was the Bears' seventh-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. The defensive back out of California made the roster as a rookie and played a role on special teams. Hicks collected 28 tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 2022.
In 2023, Hicks took on a larger role due to Eddie Jackson's injury. Hicks got six starts in 2023 and collected 35 tackles and one pass defense. Hicks needs to work on his pass coverage, but he's sturdy against the run and a solid special teamer.
Hicks has good instincts and looks like he could develop into a starting safety. The DB flashed some ability as a rookie when he collected 11 tackles and a forced fumble in a game against the Detroit Lions. Hicks is a solid player to keep on the team, and he would be a cheap option, but you'd probably like to keep Hicks in that third safety role.
Alohi Gilman is a solid free agent option
As my colleague pointed out, Alohi Gilman might be a great option for the Chicago Bears this offseason. Gilman was a sixth-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers back in 2020 and developed into a larger role each season.
Gilman started 14 games in 2023 and collected 73 tackles, two tackles for loss, forced three fumbles, and landed two interceptions. PFF gave the defensive back a stellar 86.1 grade for his 2023 performance. As Parker Hurley pointed out, Gilman is not expected to break the bank so the Bears could still have a ton of savings from the Eddie Jackson release.
The free safety market is not exactly flush with elite talent this offseason. Gilman represents a young, high-upside option who could develop into a solid partner for Jaquan Brisker.
Akeem Dent is a solid option in the 2024 NFL Draft
Akeem Dent had a solid career on some very good Florida State defenses. Over 48 games with the Seminoles, Dent racked up 187 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception.
The Bears have two first-round picks, but there are many more pressing needs than safety. The Bears currently don't have a second-round selection, but they do have a third. Dent is expected to go anywhere from the second to the fourth round. If Dent is available when the Bears pick in the third, they could do worse than the high-upside DB from Florida State.
Dent has great size for a safety and even has some corner experience. Dent represents a low-cost, high-reward option for a Bears team that is seeking to get younger and more dynamic on defense.