Eddie Jackson has hinted at his impending departure from the Chicago Bears with cryptic tweets, suggesting that he has received insights into his fate during an offseason marked by speculation about his potential release due to salary cap constraints.
Jackson’s enigmatic social media posts, including a black screen on Instagram captioned with “All Love Chi Town” and a tweet proclaiming “New Beginnings,” appear to validate assumptions made as far back as the 2023 season regarding his future with the team.
The safety’s performance experienced a downturn last year, contributing to concerns over his hefty contract, which he secured with a four-year, $58 million extension in 2021. Should the Bears decide to part ways with Jackson before June 1, they stand to gain significant cap savings for the final year of his contract, albeit with accompanying dead cap space.
Considering their projected cap space and the potential financial relief his release would afford, the Bears are likely to designate Jackson as a post-June 1 cut, thus maximizing their cap savings while minimizing the dead cap hit.
In addition to Jackson, the Bears may also seek to alleviate their payroll burden by parting ways with guard/center Cody Whitehair, who faced a decline in performance towards the end of the season.
Despite experiencing a resurgence in 2022, highlighted by four interceptions and strong defensive metrics, Jackson’s fortunes took a hit with a season-ending foot injury. The subsequent season saw further setbacks, including a decline in performance and increased missed tackle rates, raising doubts about his long-term viability with the team.
General Manager Ryan Poles acknowledged Jackson’s impact on defensive communication but emphasized the financial considerations at play. If Jackson indeed becomes a casualty of salary cap constraints, the Bears will need to address the safety position through the draft or free agency, ensuring continuity and stability in a key defensive role.
