Trade Eddie Jackson? Sounds Like It's A Possibility

The Chicago Bears could look like a very different team in a few months as GM Ryan Poles aims to continue tweaking the roster. A 7-10 finish to 2023 was an improvement from the previous year but not good enough. Another push is required to finally get into the playoff picture. This could mean some unexpected decisions are looming. One Poles must figure out is safety Eddie Jackson. While the former All-Pro remains a respected leader in the locker room, his effectiveness on the field has waned as he enters his 30s.

Only one year remains on his contract at over $12 million. It might make sense at this point to send him on his way. Most would think the Bears have no other option than to cut him. However, experts from Bleacher Report think otherwise. They feel there is a possibility the Bears may have a modest trade market for the veteran safety. While the return wouldn't be anywhere close to what the #1 pick or Justin Fields would fetch, a team or two could be interested in adding his presence to their secondary.

It's a matter of making him available.

Top Trade Assets: No. 1 Overall Pick, QB Justin Fields, S Eddie Jackson

The Chicago Bears are in a very intriguing position heading into the new league year. They're facing a big decision on whether to stick with quarterback Justin Fields or use the No. 1 overall pick—obtained from the Carolina Panthers in last year's trade to No. 1—on a QB prospect like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.

Theoretically, Chicago could use the No. 1 pick and keep Fields—Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. is talented enough to justify the move. However, it seems unlikely that the Bears would go that route. If the team sticks with Fields, the return for the top pick could be just too great to ignore.

Outside of those two premium trade chips, the Bears could look to move veteran safety Eddie Jackson. The 30-year-old is a veteran leader for Chicago's defense, but he's entering the final year of his contract. Trading him would generate another $12.6 million in cap space.

Poles has traded less valuable assets than Eddie Jackson.

Don't forget this is the same GM who squeezed a 4th round pick from Philadelphia for a clearly burnt-out Robert Quinn. He also got a 6th round pick for Chase Claypool from Miami despite his disastrous run in Chicago. Jackson has five interceptions and two forced fumbles in his last two seasons with the Bears. While he hasn't always been great, he's found ways to remain productive. He can still be a dangerous presence in coverage. Kevin Byard fetched a cornerback and two draft picks from Philadelphia. It isn't crazy to think Jackson could at least get something along those lines.

Much of this depends on whether the Bears feel they can find a quality replacement. Free agency and the draft do have some intriguing options. It comes down to how comfortable head coach Matt Eberflus is losing Eddie Jackson on the back end. He's molded young safeties into starters before. One can imagine he isn't afraid of embarking on that route again. Jackson's exit would be unfortunate after he had such a promising start to his career.