Redskins safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix visiting Chicago Bears in free agency

The Redskins traded for Ha Ha Clinton-Dix midway through the 2018 season. He could be gone before the end of the week.

The Washington Redskins have made tangible efforts to re-sign Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, whose contract expired with the start of the new league year at 4:00 eastern time on March 13.

While Washington’s relatively high population density of Alabama players, as well as their recent signing of All-Pro safety Landon Collins, likely weighs on Clinton-Dix’s decision, the former Packers Pro Bowler is entertaining other offers before deciding on his future home.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Clinton-Dix is scheduled to visit the Bears tonight and tomorrow. The Bears, having recently lost Adrian Amos to the Green Bay Packers, have a need at safety, and Clinton-Dix would give them a starter to pair with Eddie Jackson (who also happens to be an Alabama product).

For the Redskins, perhaps the most alluring appeal that Clinton-Dix provides stems from familiarity, experience, and leadership. The veteran quickly took up a role as such in the locker room in 2018, but on the field, his performance with the Redskins was average to below average. Clinton-Dix fell out of Pro Bowl contention after his stint with the Redskins, and while another offseason in the same system could benefit him, he displayed irreconcilable shortcomings, that the Redskins could be better off moving on from.

Clinton-Dix is a smart safety, and he thrives off of his own quick diagnosing skills. But as an athlete, and as a tackler, Clinton-Dix leaves much to be desired. His stiff hips were put on display far too often over the latter half of the 2018 season, and whenever he was entrusted with the last line of defense, big plays scourged the Redskins defense.

Granted, not all of the miscues can be pinned on Clinton-Dix, but there are potentially better options out on the open market, such as Tre Boston, who has yet to be signed by a team. Eric Berry was also recently released, and if he’s able, he could join up. If Clinton-Dix signs with the Bears after his impending visit, then the Redskins will be forced to look elsewhere for more safety help, nonetheless.