Chicago Bears: Why Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is better than Adrian Amos

This debate has been at the forefront of the offseason ever since Adrian Amos signed with the Packers and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix signed with the Chicago Bears. Logic goes out the window when it comes to this rivalry, but Clinton-Dix is better than Amos and here’s why.

That is right, I said it. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is a better safety than Adrian Amos. I thought it before the two safeties switched teams and I still think it now. This Chicago Bears profile breakdown of Clinton-Dix is going to be different than any of the others I have written. I will dive into everything the same way as my previous profiles, but everything will be in comparison with Amos.

When it comes to these two players, one glaring difference stands out right now. A difference that many non-Bears fans like to site when comparing the two. A difference that does not mean what they try to make it out to mean. This difference I am speaking of is their salaries.

Packers fans like to point out that Adrian Amos signed a four-year deal worth $36 million, while Clinton-Dix had to settle for a one-year deal worth only $3.5 million. This salary difference is important, but not for the reasons these fans like to try and spin. One team vastly overpaid for a reliable, but average safety, while the other team took a low-cost risk on a player with great upside.

Another thing to note is that Clinton-Dix turned down more money and longer deals to play for Chicago. The Bears gave him a one-year, prove-it contract. Clinton-Dix chose Chicago because he wanted to play next to former Alabama teammate and friend Eddie Jackson. He also believes the Bears have a solid chance at winning the Super Bowl.

Let’s face it though. Clinton-Dix saw an opportunity. He might make less this year, but he is betting on himself to have another stellar season. Something he has not truly had for a couple of years. Playing behind one of the best defensive fronts and next to arguably the best free safety in the NFL should allow Clinton-Dix to hit a major payday in the 2020 offseason.

Let me be frank. If you are a sensitive Bears fan, skip to the next slide. Packers fans have a right to brag. The Bears have been mediocre for essentially my entire lifetime. I was too young (two years old) to enjoy the 1985 season. There were some major ups with Lovie Smith, but the downs have been more severe. The Packers do not have many Super Bowls to speak of, but they had bragging rights of the NFC North for years.

As we watch them plateau, it must be hard for Packers fans to realize, they no longer own the division. Between the Vikings and the Bears, this division has a large amount of talent. The Lions even have some top quality players. As the Packers start to plateau though, the Bears are ascending. It has only been one year, but the culture, the vibe, and the talent are like nothing I have seen before.

This is how I know the team is not a one-and-done type team. This is not the start of the Marc Trestman years. A great season followed by complete garbage. No. This is the start of a franchise finally turning things around and setting themselves up for sustained success. I am excited to watch the team grow and know I have been on their side even during the tough times.

Knowing this though, we need to understand that it will take time for Packers fans and even players to come to the realization they are no longer in control. The Bears are done hibernating and this division is theirs to own for years to come. A changing of the guard you might say.