Getty DeAndre Houston-Carson has been a consistent special teams performer for four years with the Bears.
The Chicago Bears like DeAndre Houston-Carson, and on Monday, they decided to bring the 26-year-old safety and special teams ace back on a one-year deal. The agreement is the latest in a flurry of one-year contracts the team has issued to a number of defensive players expected to add depth and help on special teams.
DeAndre Houston-Carson’s Career Stats and Experience
DHC was drafted in the sixth round by the Bears back in 2016. Since then, he has been a consistent contributor on special teams. He’s played in 48 games over those four seasons and made 28 tackles in his career.
DHC has had some experience on defense, and he’s registered one hit on the quarterback. However, his value is almost entirely exclusive to special teams. This will be DHC’s second straight one-year contract with the Bears after signing a similar, but slightly less lucrative contract last year.
Is there Any Chance DHC Plays on Defense More in 2020?
I wouldn’t count on it, and if he does, it means the Bears have been ravaged with injuries at the safety position. While they did allow Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix to leave for the Dallas Cowboys via free agency, the team re-signed Deon Bush to a one-year, $1.4 million deal, and inked Jordan Lucas, from the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs to a one-year $1 million contract.
Needless to say, there is depth at strong safety, and Eddie Jackson is the starter and star at free safety. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Bears add a body in the event Jackson goes down with an injury. According to the Bears’ depth chart on Ourlads, DHC is listed as Jackson’s backup.
Where Else Might the Bears Turn to Add to Their Roster?
The team has done a ton of work to ensure the defense remains elite. From adding pass-rushing specialist Robert Quinn to bringing in cornerbacks Artie Burns from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tre Roberson from the CFL, backup outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo from the Houston Texans, re-signing edge rusher Isaiah Erving, Bush, and defensive lineman Brent Urban.
However, the team’s biggest concerns still have to be on offense. While they have somewhat addressed their QB issues with the acquisition of Nick Foles, and added veteran tight end Jimmy Graham, the offensive line, and perhaps wide receiver could still be in need of help.
Expect to see the offensive side of the ball become a major focus for the Bears at the upcoming NFL Draft. The team doesn’t have a first-round pick, but with its second-round selection, a big ugly would make a ton of sense. Also, despite adding Foles and still having Mitchell Trubisky in the fold, the Bears would be wise to draft a QB at some point.
There is a chance neither Trubisky or Foles is the long-term answer, and it would be ideal if there was hope for the most important position in football already on the roster.