NEWSLETTER
Replacing Prince Amukamara is one of the biggest challenges the Bears defense faces this summer.
And while a returning defender and a 2020 second-round pick figured to be the favorites in the competition, a dark-horse candidate has emerged as a serious contender.
Bears play-by-play broadcaster Jeff Joniak tweets Artie Burns ran with the first-team defense during Monday’s padded practice.
That means it wasn’t third-year corner Kevin Toliver II, who has starting experience in this defense. Nor was it rookie Jaylon Johnson, whose college accolades and game-tape were good enough to get first-round grades from some draft analysts. Instead, it was Burns, a fifth-year player with some post-hype sleeper potential as he enters a new system.
That’s a bit unexpected. And honestly, it’s also equal parts intriguing and refreshing.
Burns, 25, signed a one-year “prove it” deal as a free agent in late March. The signing flew under the radar. But because the Bears have done well recently in finding quality defensive backs, I want to give this signing an opportunity to provide a pleasant surprise. And because Burns’ NFL.com draft profile said he was a “premium athlete with long, angular build and preferred blend of size and speed,” I have even more reason to see how this situation plays out.
Things started well enough for Burns in Pittsburgh. He moved into a starting role midway through the season after opening the year as a reserve. Most importantly, Burns made the most of his increased playing time. He finished with three interceptions and 13 passes defended. Not bad. A year later, Burns was a full-time starter who broke up 13 passes and collected two fumble recoveries. Burns’ production and playing time slipped in his final two years with the Steelers. Naturally, that played a role in the team declining the fifth-year contract on Burns’ rookie deal. Thus, hitting free agency after the 2019 season.
Perhaps Pittsburgh’s loss will be Chicago’s gain.
Admittedly, it’s far too early to declare a winner for the open CB2 gig. But it’s not too early to call this a real competition. And I’m looking forward to seeing how it unfolds.
