News surfaced a couple of days ago that the Chicago Bears met with veteran safety Marqui Christian. It was a bit of a surprise for a few reasons. The team was already at their 80-man roster limit for training camp and GM Ryan Pace also expressed belief that the safety position was more than secure despite the recent loss of Jordan Lucas who opted not to play in 2020. Not to mention the fact that Christian will be suspended the first two games of this season for undisclosed reasons.
Now according NFL reporter Turron Davenport, the Bears chose to move ahead with signing him anyway. The 26-year old will become their sixth safety and Lucas’ replacement. He will compete with Sherrick McManis and DeAndre Houston-Carson for what will likely be the fifth and final spot at that position.
In order to make room on the roster, the team parted ways with kicker Ramiz Ahmed. That confirms Eddy Pineiro will remain their starting kicker for this season as well. So an eventful day already for the Bears.
Christian brings multiple values to the Chicago Bears
Since 2016, he carved out a role with the Los Angeles Rams as a backup safety and a primary contributor on special teams. Something he proved quite competent at. Most Bears fans will remember him for the spectacular pass deflection shown above he made in the game last season. He comes across as a heady player who puts himself in good positions to make plays.
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While the suspension is something that will loom over him during training camp, don’t be fooled. This guy will be a central presence in the safety competition. He has the sort of skills a team would be willing to live two weeks without to secure him for the 14 other games.