Bears 2024 training camp preview: Safeties

The Chicago Bears have two clear-cut starters at safety in Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard. Brisker has really grown into his own since being the 48th selection in the 2022 draft. Byard was signed by general manager Ryan Poles earlier this offseason to replace the recently released Eddie Jackson.

The Bears are scheduled to enter training camp later this week with eight safeties on the 90-man roster. Several veterans, ascending talents, and even undrafted free agents are vying for back-end positioning. Let’s assess the Chicago Bears’ safeties ahead of training camp.

Jaquan Brisker

Brisker has been a tackling machine for Eberflus’ defense while covering every blade of grass. The former Penn State standout totaled career-highs in tackles (105) and pass breakups (9) last season. Brisker would like to convert some of those opportunities into more interceptions after recording just two takeaways in two seasons.

Kevin Byard III

The Bears are taking a risk on the aging Byard, who played the worst football of his career last season for the Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles. Pro Football Focus credited Byard with allowing 47 receptions on 59 targets and opposing QB rating of 106.4. Poles and Eberflus value the veteran leadership he’s bringing to the room.

Jonathan Owens

Poles signed Jonathan Owens to a two-year contract worth $4.75 million earlier this offseason. Owens totaled 84 tackles for the Green Bay Packers last season, and a career-high 125 takedowns with the Houston Texans in 2022. Owens will be a rotational third safety that often aligns near the line of scrimmage for Eric Washington’s defense this year.

Adrian Colbert

Adrian Colbert first joined the Bears’ practice squad in 2022. He’s been an on-again, off-again member of the organization ever since. The 30-year-old Colbert initially entered the league as a seventh-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. He’ll attempt to claim the fourth (and potentially final) safety spot on the team.

Elijah Hicks

The Bears drafted Elijah Hicks with the No. 254 overall selection (7th round) in the 2022 draft. Hicks is now entering his third professional season. The rookie-and-sophomore leash that was once extended to him no longer exists. He’s entering training camp firmly on the roster bubble.

Tarvarius Moore

Moore signed with the Bears earlier this offseason. Poles and the scouting staff know him well because he spent a portion of 2023 with the division rival Packers. Moore played collegiately at Southern Miss, and hasn’t lived up to his pre-draft expectations as the 95th pick of the 2018 draft.

Quindell Johnson

The Bears claimed Quindell Johnson off waivers in 2023 after he failed to make the Los Angeles Rams’ 53-man roster as a rookie undrafted free agent out of Memphis. Johnson played 35 defensive snaps last season. He was more involved via special teams, totaling 106 snaps.

Douglas Coleman III

Douglas Coleman III is getting another NFL opportunity after spending two seasons (2022-23) in the CFL. He originally entered the league in 2020 as a UDFA with the Denver Broncos. Coleman III was productive in Canada, recording 78 tackles, 5.0 sacks, three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns in 22 games with the Ottawa Redblacks.