Chicago Bears Expected To Move On From Key Secondary Piece In 2026 Offseason
The NFL offseason is officially here for the Chicago Bears, and while the sting of that playoff loss to the Rams is still fresh, the front office is already deep in the weeds of roster management. One of the biggest storylines emerging from Halas Hall isn’t about who they might bring in, but rather who is walking out the door. All signs are pointing toward safety Jaquan Brisker playing elsewhere in 2026.
A Tough Reality For The Chicago Bears
It’s a tough reality for fans who have watched Brisker develop since being drafted in the second round back in 2022. He brings a physical edge that fits the “Monsters of the Midway” identity perfectly. But between cryptic social media posts, salary cap constraints, and injury concerns, the writing seems to be on the wall.
The Social Media Clues
In the modern NFL, sometimes the biggest news breaks via emoji before it hits the press release. Jaquan Brisker recently sent Bears Twitter into a frenzy with a post on X (formerly Twitter) featuring two broken heart emojis followed by two periods.
While cryptic tweets can sometimes just be players venting about life, the timing here is impossible to ignore. It came just days after reports surfaced suggesting the Bears were unlikely to prioritize his contract extension. When you combine the timing with his recent comments expressing uncertainty about whether the team wants him back, it starts to look less like a cryptic vent and more like a farewell wave.
Brisker has been vocal about wanting to stay in Chicago, but the business side of football rarely cares about sentiment. If the team isn’t communicating a strong desire to keep him, players often take that silence as a cue to pack their bags.
Performance: The Highs, The Lows, and The Injuries
Evaluating Jaquan Brisker’s tenure in Chicago is complicated. When he is on the field, he is an undeniable playmaker. We saw exactly what he is capable of during the NFC Divisional Round loss to the Rams. He was everywhere—racking up a season-high 14 tackles, a sack, and two pass deflections. It was the kind of performance that screams “pay this man.”
However, the “when he is on the field” part is the sticking point.
Availability has been a major issue. Brisker missed 12 games in the 2024 season due to concussions and has missed time in each of his first three seasons. For a general manager like Ryan Poles, who is trying to build a sustainable contender, investing heavy capital in a player with a significant injury history is a risky gamble.
Furthermore, aside from his standout playoff performance, his 2025 regular season was inconsistent. There were lapses in coverage and missed opportunities that might make the front office hesitate to commit a long-term deal.
The Cost of Doing Business
Money talks, and right now, Jaquan Brisker’s price tag might be too loud for the Chicago Bears.
According to market estimates from Spotrac, Brisker’s value is hovering around $11.1 million per year. That is top-tier safety money. The Bears are entering the offseason with negative cap space (roughly -$17.4 million), meaning they have to be ruthless with their financial decisions.
The team seems to be prioritizing veteran All-Pro safety Kevin Byard. Byard has been a steadying force in the secondary, and GM Ryan Poles has openly stated the team would “like to have him back.” In a world with a salary cap, you usually can’t pay everyone. If the choice comes down to the reliable veteran presence of Byard or the high-upside but injury-prone Brisker, the money is likely flowing toward Byard.
Bears Safety Replacement Plan
If Brisker walks, who steps up?
The Bears aren’t likely to splash cash on a high-priced free agent replacement if they can’t afford to keep their own guy. Instead, expect Chicago to look toward the 2026 NFL Draft.
This year’s draft class has some intriguing safety talent. Names like Caleb Downs from Ohio State or Dillon Thieneman from Oregon could be on the Bears’ radar. Drafting a replacement allows the team to reset the financial clock at the position, getting a young, hungry player on a rookie contract rather than paying veteran market rates.
It’s a strategy that aligns with how the Bears have operated under Poles: build through the draft, pay select pillars of the team, and avoid overpaying for uncertainty.
What’s Next for Brisker?
If this is the end of the road for Brisker in Chicago, he won’t be unemployed for long. His physicality and ability to play in the box make him an attractive asset for teams needing an enforcer in the secondary. A team with more cap flexibility—and perhaps a desperate need for defensive identity—will likely pay him close to that $11 million valuation.
For Bears fans, it’s a bittersweet potential exit. Brisker was a fan favorite for his hard-hitting style and passion. But as the Chicago Bears offseason kicks into high gear, the franchise seems ready to turn the page and find the next man up.
