The Chicago Bears haven’t wasted time in reforming their secondary since the losses of Adrian Amos and Bryce Callahan when free agency started. They swiftly secured Buster Skrine at slot corner on a three-year deal. The bigger issue was the loss of Amos at safety though, especially since he signed with the hated Green Bay Packers.
So it’s rather fitting that the replacement the Bears ended up securing is a notable former Packer. His name is Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The 26-year old spent 4.5 seasons up north in Green Bay, during which he had 17 interceptions and went to a Pro Bowl. However, he seemed to have a falling out with the coaching staff and was eventually traded to the Washington Redskins.
Rather than return though, he decided to take his chances in free agency and seems to see the Bears at a major opportunity. Not only to improve his standing in the league but also to get some revenge on his former team.
The #Bears are signing S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to a 1-year deal, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. Formerly of the #Redskins and #Packers, he gets a new home in Chicago.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2019
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Ha Ha Clinton-Dix gets $3.5 million on his one-year deal from the #Bears, source says. He had more on the table elsewhere but it sounds like he wanted to join that Chicago defense and be reunited with his Alabama teammate Eddie Jackson.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 14, 2019
Chicago Bears Ha Ha Clinton-Dix move could reap huge rewards
Word is the meeting between the young safety and the Bears went “better than expected.” It seems a good impression was made on all sides and a deal soon followed. It’s one that seems to work on both ends. The Bears secure a proven safety for their defense at what will likely be a solid price. Clinton-Dix gets a chance to play on a top defensive unit, hopefully excels and then becomes a free agent again in 2020 where a big payday awaits.
This is often how the winning teams in the league are supposed to operate. The Bears didn’t have a ton of money to shell out but they already have talent in place. So their job was to secure unheralded veterans they could get for cheaper on short deals in order to get this team ready for 2019. Thus far GM Ryan Pace has accomplished that goal with remarkable efficiency.