Bears sign former Titans safety Dane Cruikshank

The 26-year-old safety was initially a fifth-round pick (152 overall) by Tennessee in 2018 out of Arizona. Cruikshank played 28 games over his rookie and sophomore NFL seasons but only saw action in two games in 2020 due to injury. 

In 44 total games with the Titans, Cruikshank finished with 65 total tackles, with one interception and a forced fumble. 

Over his career, Cruikshank has contributed mightily on special teams, with a touchdown pass on a fake punt and a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown on his resume. 

ESPN's Courtney Cronin broke down the Bears' signing and what role Cruikshank may play in Chicago. 

"Cruikshank was a dependable special teams player for the Tennessee Titans who carved out a role for himself on defense in 2021," Cronin wrote. "At the NFL owners meetings, head coach Matt Eberflus said he wants some interchangeability with his linebackers, considering how often defenses are in their nickel package, and that the same philosophy applies to cornerback and safety. Cruikshank was used as a dime linebacker with the Titans on occasion and excelled in a role that required him to cover tight ends while in man coverage. That could be what the Bears envision for the former fifth-round pick by having him play a number of different spots on the back end of the defense." 

Cruikshank joins the Bears' secondary, where he's expected to compete for a starting job. Chicago's safety depth also includes Eddie Jackson and DeAndre Houston-Carson.