Should the Bears Pursue Former Bills Safety Jordan Poyer?

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles must acquire a starting-caliber safety this offseason. The Bears released veteran defender Eddie Jackson from his contract in a cap-clearing move that created an additional $12.56 million in financial flexibility. Releasing Jackson created a hole at safety, a position he played 645 snaps at last season.

Poles could address the position via the 2024 NFL Draft, but he’s only scheduled to possess five total picks. Free agency offers Poles an alternative method to add a defensive backfield general opposite Jaquan Brisker. An interesting prospect just became available.

The Buffalo Bills released veteran safety Jordan Poyer on Wednesday. The cash-strapped Bills created a much-needed $5.7 million in cap space by cutting ties with Poyer. His release should immediately peak the Bears’ interest. New defensive coordinator Eric Washington coached Poyer in Buffalo for the previous four seasons.

Bills are releasing All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer, per source.

Free-agent safety market grows. pic.twitter.com/nOcqJk1KA8

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2024

The aging Poyer is still a dynamic playmaker. Pro Football Focus assigned Poyer a solid coverage grade of 74.4 throughout 2023. The former seventh-rounder out of Oregon State allowed 26 receptions on 37 targets. Opposing quarterbacks saw a middling passer rating 99.2 when targeting Poyer in coverage, and the completions he gave up only allowed 10.1 yards per catch. Poyer didn’t record an interception in 2023, but he’s a ball-hawk that totaled 22 picks from 2017 to 2022.

Poyer is also a solid defender near the line of scrimmage. The Dallas, Oregon native played 352 snaps inside the box and earned a run-stopping grade of 74.3 from PFF. Coach Washington would appreciate the versatility Poyer would bring with him to Chicago.

The Bears should add veteran free agents that could help coach Washington install his scheme. The high-I.Q. Poyer is an excellent candidate to help Bears defenders acclimate to a new system, particularly during training camp. Poyer should quickly appear on Poles’ shortlist of potential free agent acquisitions.