National media outlet says Bears offseason addition could be cut before the season starts
One of the Chicago Bears' offseason additions could be released before he ever plays a regular-season down, according to ESPN. Courtney Cronin, who covers the Bears for ESPN, suggested this week that safety Dane Cruikshank, who signed a one-year deal with Chicago earlier this offseason, could be in danger of being cut this summer. From ESPN: […]
One of the Chicago Bears' offseason additions could be released before he ever plays a regular-season down, according to ESPN.
Courtney Cronin, who covers the Bears for ESPN, suggested this week that safety Dane Cruikshank, who signed a one-year deal with Chicago earlier this offseason, could be in danger of being cut this summer.
There aren't a lot of players who fit into this category for Chicago after the Bears overhauled their roster. Cruikshank was an addition during the second wave of free agency and was expected to fit in behind Eddie Jackson on the depth chart. With the addition of rookie Jaquan Brisker, who impressed the coaching staff with his versatility this spring, Cruikshank could be the odd man out if Chicago hangs on to four safeties, including DeAndre Houston-Carson and seventh-rounder Elijah Hicks.
I understand Cronin's thinking here — the Bears have plenty of safety options and they don't have much invested in Cruikshank.
But I don't think he's a player that Chicago will cut. They signed him for two reasons — he provides great special teams value and he's a "tight end eraser".
This YouTube breakdown perfectly explains how Cruikshank neutralizes opposing tight ends.
Cruikshank isn't a star. He likely will never make a Pro-Bowl. But he can play an important role in the Bears' defense. I don't see any way they keep a seventh-round pick over a proven commodity like Cruikshank
Featured image via Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
