The Chicago Bears have finally turned the corner. Caleb Williams is a franchise quarterback, Ben Johnson looks great, and the Bears look to be consistent playoff contenders.
But, before the hype for 2026 can build, the Bears and Ryan Poles have some work to do this offseason. Aside from cuts or trades, there are two major free agent decisions, other than CB Nahshon Wright, that the Bears need to make.
Safeties Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard are both hitting the open market, and the Bears will need to decide whether to re-sign them or not. Spotrac.com has updated contract projections for both safeties that combine to cost $48 million.
Bears get $48M contract projections on Brisker, Byard
Of the two, Byard is by far the cheaper one. Spotrac projects the veteran safety to get a $15.6 million contract over two years this offseason, which would be for just $7.8 million per-season.
Brisker, on the other hand, has a much larger projection. Spotrac's projection for the 26-year-old safety is a three-year deal worth $33.2 million, or $11 million per-season.
Both safeties are hitting free agency this offseason, and will be big question marks for the Bears going forward. Combined with the other holes on the roster, the future of Tyrique Stevenson and others, these two safeties have very uncertain futures in Chicago.
Brisker had one interception, eight passes defended, one sack, and 93 tackles this past season for the Bears.
More: Bears' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space going into offseason
Byard was better, as he was named to the Pro Bowl and had an NFL-best seven interceptions, eight passes defended, 93 tackles, and his third first-team All-Pro nod in his NFL career.
But Byard is 33 years old. His future in the league is in doubt due to his age. But, if the Bears want to bring him back, he will be a lot more affordable than Brisker or any of their other defensive back hitting free agency.
The future of these two safeties will be very interesting to watch this offseason. The Bears should bring back at least one of these two, with justification for either to return next season after their standout 2025 campaigns.
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