When general manager Ryan Pace re-signed both Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara this offseason, he ensured that the entire starting secondary would return for another year. In fact, assuming he can lock up Adrian Amos on a long-term extension, the Bears' secondary could be intact for several more seasons.
All four starters enjoyed something of a breakout year in 2017. Fuller had by far his best season as a pro, one that was rewarded with a massive four-year, $56 million contract. Amukamara proved he's still a reliable starter with first-round pedigree and the duo of Amos and Eddie Jackson has fans excited about what could be a combination of elite young safeties.
The Bears' secondary is so intriguing, in fact, that it was listed as a contender to become the NFL's next Legion of Boom, a moniker made famous by the dominant Seahawks secondaries during their Super Bowl run.
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It took a little free-agency finagling, but the Bears managed to hold on to every key member of their underrated secondary from last season. Cornerback Kyle Fuller was the biggest get, signed to a four-year, $56 million extension, and the fifth-year pro will have the chance to show that his breakout performance in 2017 (two picks and 22 passes defensed) was no fluke. Opposite Fuller, reliable veteran Prince Amukamara comes back on a three-year, $27 million deal, and is flanked by promising slot corner Bryce Callahan, who signed a restricted free-agent tender to stay with the team.
Adrian Amos and Eddie Jackson look primed to emerge as one of the best young safety duos in the league. The Bears have the foundation for a top-tier unit—a group that finished 10th in DVOA without pressure last season—and they have a chance to prove they belong among the elite in 2018.
It's been a while since the Bears had a secondary with this much promise. Back in 2005, Chicago's starters included Charles Tillman, Nathan Vasher, Mike Brown and Chris Harris, a group that was productive in coverage and timely with turnovers. This season's core group may be even better.