The safety position continues to be in high demand, with many having already switched teams and other high-profile ones scheduling visits. The top safety, Jairus Byrd, is scheduled to visit with the New Orleans Saints, and if signed, would make a hell of a pair with last year’s first-rounder, Kenny Vaccarro.
Somewhat under the radar, however, was the signing of former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Mundy, who has completed a two-year contract to sign with the Chicago Bears after spending a year with the New York Giants.
While with the Steelers, the former 2008 sixth-round pick suffered an ankle injury during the preseason as a rookie, which resulted in him being released, only to be signed to the practice squad that November.
Mundy made the team outright in 2009, contributing on special teams. He made two starts in 2010, recording 29 tackles and defending two passes.
Though making no starts in 2011, Mundy’s playing time increased as he split time with rookie cornerback Cortez Allen as the dime back, making 37 tackles and recording the first interception of his career.
In 2012, Mundy started the season opener in place of Ryan Clark due to his inability to play at the high altitude of the Denver Broncos’ home stadium.
After Troy Polamalu began to suffer a litany of injuries, Mundy was on deck to replace him long-term, but as he struggled, Mike Tomlin replaced him in the starting lineup after two games with the journeyman safety, Will Allen.
Both safeties ended up leaving in free agency that offseason. Allen signed on with the Dallas Cowboys, chasing one last opportunity to be a starter, while Mundy signed a one-year deal with the Giants.
The Cowboys and Giants faced off on opening day, with both players starting for the respective teams, and they each recorded an interception in the game.
In all, Mundy played in every game for the Giants last season, starting nine of them. He recorded 77 tackles, his first career sack, and the aforementioned interception, which he returned 91 yards.
Also a strong special teams player, Mundy proved last season that he is a solid contributor capable of starting. With the Giants content with Antrel Rolle, the just-re-signed Stevie Brown, Will Hill, and Cooper Taylor, Mundy figured to be lost in the shuffle.
That likely contributed to his decision to sign with the Bears, where he has a greater chance to compete for starts and playing time as they prepare to lose Major Wright.
