The Chicago Bears parted ways with a pair of veterans in safety Eddie Jackson and guard Cody Whitehair as the franchise looks to rebuild its roster and return to contention.
Jackson and Whitehair were among the longest-tenured players on the Bears rosters. By releasing them, the franchise saved $21.5 million against the salary cap for the next season.
Jackson was drafted by the Bears in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. During his time with the franchise, he made two Pro Bowls and received a First-team All-Pro selection in 2018. The 30-year-old played 12 games in 2023, finishing the campaign with 37 tackles, five passes defended and one interception.
Whitehair entered the league as the Bears’ second-round pick in the 2016 draft. He started all 16 games in his rookie season, earning himself a PFWA All-Rookie Team nod. Whitehair, who was a Pro Bowler in 2018, finishes his stint with the Bears having played 124 games, including 118 starts.
Considering their experience, Jackson and Whitehair shouldn’t have trouble attracting offers from other NFL teams. The Bears, on the other hand, will likely look to replace the duo in the 2024 Draft, where they hold two first-round selections, and through free agency, where they are armed with almost $70 million in cap space.
