Chicago Bears Release Eddie Jackson
The Chicago Bears made a surprising move on February 15 by releasing veteran safety Eddie Jackson. This decision was primarily driven by the team’s need to save money against their salary cap. With Jackson’s release, the Bears now have an additional $12.56 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap.
A Perfect Fit for the Eagles
Following his release, there is speculation that Eddie Jackson could find a new home with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles’ new defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, has a history with Jackson, making Philadelphia an attractive destination for the talented safety. Jackson played under Fangio’s guidance for two years, and their partnership resulted in Jackson’s best statistical season in 2018, where he was selected as a first-team All-Pro.
The Need for Safety in Philadelphia
The Eagles potentially have a need at the safety position, with Kevin Byard’s future uncertain due to salary cap concerns. Cutting Byard would clear over $13 million in cap space for the Eagles. With Jackson’s familiarity with Fangio’s defensive scheme and his impressive track record, he could be a natural fit in Philadelphia.
Jackson’s Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Eddie Jackson has been recognized as a top-tier safety. He has earned Pro Bowl selections in both 2018 and 2019, showcasing his exceptional skills on the field. In 2022, Jackson had a solid season, recording 80 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 6 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions in just 12 games. However, his performance in 2023 fell short of expectations.
The Potential Reunion
Vic Fangio, who is now the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, played a significant role in Eddie Jackson’s development during their time together with the Bears. Fangio’s defensive philosophy aligns well with Jackson’s strengths, making a potential reunion between the two an exciting prospect.
As the Eagles explore their options to strengthen their roster, adding Eddie Jackson could be a smart move. With his proven abilities and familiarity with Fangio’s system, Jackson could make an immediate impact on the team’s defense. Only time will tell if the Eagles will pursue this opportunity and secure Jackson’s services for the upcoming season. #FlyEaglesFly
JACKSON’S INJURIES HAUNT HIM IN RECENT YEARS
In a shocking turn of events, NFL star Jackson has been plagued by injuries in recent years. This is a stark contrast to his first five seasons in the league, where he rarely missed a game. However, things took a turn for the worse in 2023 when he suffered a foot injury during Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unfortunately, this injury persisted throughout the entire season, causing significant setbacks for Jackson.
DEFENSIVE STRUGGLES PLAGUE JACKSON
Jackson’s performance on the field last year was far from impressive. According to PFF, opposing quarterbacks had a staggering passer rating of 121.1 when targeting him in coverage. Additionally, he allowed a whopping 16.9 yards per reception. These statistics paint a grim picture of Jackson’s struggles in defending against the opposition. On 18 targets, he gave up 12 catches and three touchdowns, further highlighting his difficulties.
DECLINE IN PRODUCTION
As a result of his injuries and defensive struggles, Jackson’s overall performance suffered greatly. He recorded a career-low 37 total tackles, along with just 5 pass breakups and a solitary interception. These numbers are a far cry from his previous seasons, indicating a decline in his productivity on the field.
A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTOR WHEN HEALTHY
Despite his setbacks, Jackson has proven to be a valuable contributor to his team when he is in good health. Throughout his seven-year tenure with the Chicago Bears, he started an impressive 100 games. Known for his ability to make crucial interceptions, Jackson brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the locker room. If the Philadelphia Eagles decide to part ways with Byard, Jackson could be a suitable replacement who offers both skill and affordability.
MISSING TACKLES BUT FINDING THE BALL
One area where Jackson has struggled is in missed tackles. Last season, he had a missed tackle percentage of 15.6%, and over his career, he has accumulated a total of 74 missed tackles. However, he compensates for this weakness by excelling in finding the ball within Fangio’s defensive system. Although this may be a trade-off for Eagles fans, it is a characteristic that they can learn to live with.
PHILADELPHIA: A NEW OPPORTUNITY
If given the chance, Jackson would likely find Philadelphia an appealing destination. Not only would he reunite with Fangio, but he would also have the opportunity to play for a legitimate contender for the first time in his career. During his time with the Bears, the team only made the playoffs twice in seven years. In contrast, the Eagles have only missed the postseason once in the last five years. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Jackson end up in Philly, although there is always the possibility of him landing elsewhere.
According to the Source heavy.com