Eddie Jackson recently made a couple of cryptic posts on social media, suggesting that he will not be playing with the Chicago Bears next year. This is not much of a surprise, as Jackson is one of two players most likely to be a cap casualty this offseason. So, why are the Bears so adamant on cutting Jackson, and what do they get back on the salary cap?
What are the salary cap implications of Chicago Bears cutting Eddie Jackson?
Eddie Jackson has an $18.14M cap hit next year. As it currently stands that would be the eighth highest cap hit of any safety in the NFL. Jackson is still a capable starter, but he simply is not of that top-ten caliber play. The biggest issue for him is health. He missed time in the past two years, he is over the age of 30, and his play has not gotten back to the same level as when he initially signed his contract. Last year he had just one interception and his missed tackle numbers were increasing again. The Bears cannot have that type of cap hit for a player that unlikely to play a full season.
If the Chicago Bears release Eddie Jackson this offseason they would still eat $5.58M in dead cap space. Still, the rest of his salary could clear. So, the Chicago Bears will save $12.582M in cap space if and when they release Eddie Jackson.
The Bears will pay the $5.6M in dead cap if it means saving the significant $12.6M towards the 2024 season. Eddie Jackson had a nice run with the team, and if the market does not look good for him, perhaps he does come back on a cheaper deal. However, it makes a lot of sense for the Chicago Bears to move on.