Clinton-Dix signs with Cowboys

The Bears are officially in need of a starting strong safety.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, whom the team signed to a one-year, prove-it contract last season, agreed to sign with the Cowboys late Thursday night. His agency, Sports Trust Advisors, announced the move but did not release terms.

Clinton-Dix figured to chase a more lucrative contract than any the Bears could offer, particularly after they gave fellow safety Eddie Jackson a record-breaking extension shortly after the season ended.

He had two interceptions last season, both against the Redskins, with whom he’d finished 2018. He returned one for a touchdown.

Backup OT Lucas signs with Skins

The Bears, needing reinforcements on the offensive line, lost an important piece of their depth. Backup swing tackle Cornelius Lucas left for the Redskins on a two-year, $5.3 million deal, ESPN reported.

Lucas is hardly a household name but was valuable to the Bears last season. He started eight games and played 48 percent of the offensive snaps. With everything on the table when it comes to revamping the O-line, the Bears need a solid contingency plan in case Charles Leno or Bobby Massie struggles.

As it stands, the Bears would go into the 2020 season with the same offensive line as last season: Leno at left tackle, James Daniels at left guard, Cody Whitehair at center, Rashaad Coward at right guard and Massie at right tackle.

For Lucas, it’s an incredible windfall. The total value of his deal with Washington exceeds the $3.5 million he made in his first six NFL seasons.

Scales returns

The Bears secured their kicking unit by agreeing to a one-year deal with long snapper Patrick Scales, a source said. Punter Pat O’Donnell and kicker Eddy Pineiro are already under contract.

Contributing: