The cap-strapped Chicago Bears will have to find a way to either retain free agent Ha Ha Clinton-Dix or find a viable replacement to him as starting strong safety alongside Eddie Jackson.
Bears receiver Allen Robinson already has an idea of what Chicago can do if Clinton-Dix leaves town: sign Eric Berry. Berry, who did not play in 2019 due to injury, is rumored to be vying a comeback in the NFL, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Robinson sees a duo of Jackson and Berry as dynamic.
Said Robinson on Twitter:
Robinson's tweet goes under the presumption that Clinton-Dix will leave in free agency after an outstanding year. Clinton-Dix took notice of the tweet, saying:
Clinton-Dix signed a one-year $3 million deal with the Bears in 2019. It was a prove-it deal after he regressed from his early-career form with the Green Bay Packers. Clinton-Dix proved that he has what it takes.
Clinton-Dix started all 16 games for the Bears in 2019. He recorded 78 combined tackles, five pass deflections and a pair of interceptions. According to Pro Football Reference, he allowed a 67 passer rating in coverage.
Berry, 31, meanwhile, is a three-time first-team All-Pro and five-team Pro Bowler. He was limited to three games in 2018 with the Kansas City Chiefs after coming off a torn Achilles suffered in Week 1 the season before. Berry's Achilles injury turned into a rare heel ailment called Haglund's deformity — where a bone spur digs into his heal, causing major pain.
Berry wants to return to the NFL. While it may be hard to get back up to full speed, he should receive some interest when considering his resume.