With tight end, pass rusher, and quarterback addressed in free agency thus far, the Chicago Bears needed to figure out what their next move would be. The departure of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to Dallas sent a pretty clear message that they need to start thinking about safety. While Eddie Jackson was on the roster, three other players including Clinton-Dix were free agents. Thankfully GM Ryan Pace decided to bring one of them back in Deon Bush.
Bush is a former 4th round pick in 2016 for the Bears. The same 4th round they secured Nick Kwiatkoski. Like the linebacker he showed considerable progress in his development last year, showing out both in training camp and the preseason. However, unlikely Kwiatkoski he didn't get many opportunities to play with Jackson and Clinton-Dix remaining healthy.
That might be changing. Based on the money the Bears gave him to return, it seems like they've opened the door for Bush to seize his long-awaited opportunity.
Deon Bush is unknown but he's ready for his chance
Now $1.4 million might not seem like much, but context is key here. The Bears are a cash-strapped football team. Bush is a longtime backup with no starting experience. Giving him that amount of money to stay in that role doesn't seem logical when they could just draft a guy for cheaper. It feels like the Bears might be positioning him for a shot to start. His style of play as an aggressive, hard-hitting downhill player would mesh perfectly with Jackson.
It may not be the well-known name some fans are hoping for but given the wealth of talent they've assembled across the rest of the roster, it's a calculated gamble worth taking. Bush is 26-years old and knows the defensive scheme better than any free agent would. He also has an admirer in defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano who routinely sang his praises last summer. The Bears are all about giving their own players opportunities.
This could be his.
