Excitement is rising for the Chicago Bears as they continue pushing into the playoff conversation at 4-2. They have a winnable stretch of games coming up as well, offering an opportunity to build momentum before the big divisional showdowns in November and December. Confidence is high. Much of that is thanks to their defense’s continued excellent play. A core part of that is the secondary, headlined by safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Unfortunately, this formula faces a problem in the not-so-distant future.
Byard turns 32 next year, making his status with the team uncertain. Brisker, meanwhile, enters the final year of his rookie contract. That normally wouldn’t be an issue. Just extend him, right? Well, Kyler Gordon also needs a new deal. The Bears already sank big money into Jaylon Johnson, Montez Sweat, and Tremaine Edmunds. They can’t pay everybody. Brisker is also developing a reputation for concussion issues. He still hasn’t returned from his most recent one against Carolina two weeks ago.
This might explain why team scouts have started popping up at games featuring top 2025 safety prospects in recent weeks.
The Chicago Bears are in a tough spot.
Building from within is something GM Ryan Poles has desired since he took over. There is no question he’d love nothing better than to extend Brisker and Gordon. They technically can, but sinking that much money into the secondary isn’t always the best business, especially when the two guys you want to keep have injury issues. Gordon has also not been healthy at times over the past three seasons. If forced to make a choice, sticking with the nickel cornerback (Gordon) fits with Matt Eberflus’ thinking.
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That means the Chicago Bears have to start thinking about life beyond Brisker. It sucks, but this is the harsh reality of the modern NFL. You can’t keep everybody. It sounds like the 2025 class will have a strong crop of safeties, led by Georgia’s Malaki Starks and Penn State’s Kevin Winston Jr. Both fit the team’s preferred dimensions: big, strong, athletic, and great instincts. Don’t be surprised if Chicago goes for a safety early next spring, sending a clear signal that changes are coming.
This is perfectly normal. The NFL is set up for teams to win within a 4 year period. Because in 4 years time the first draft class needs either to be paid, or be replaced. Once year 4 arrives, the money starts getting tighter if you did any sort of decent job bringing in talent. The fact is, you can still win in years 5 and 6 of a “rebuild.” But it gets progressively harder. That’s just the way the NFL is set up. You either win fairly quickly, or the job just keeps getting harder until you’re forced to… Read more »
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Also, Brad Biggs is reporting that CHI can’t find uniform pants big enough to keep Caleb’s gigantic ballsack from flopping around onto teammates and defenders. I think you’ve missed the real story here, Erik.
I’m with you Scoob, Hufanga is great! I would love to see that guy in our secondary, and the 49ers don’t have the cap space to keep him, especially with Brock Purdy needing to be paid this off-season.
I like Brisker as much as anyone but the he takes some gambles that don’t pay off. The big run the Titans ripped off to make the Bear Defense look bad early this year was Brisker over playing IMO. I love our secondary but the team must consider seeking new blood at all the positions as we move forward each season. The team is good at drafting secondary guys. With an older safety in one spot and a too-aggressive hitter in the other, I think the team will be realistic they need to keep an eye peeled. Really hoping Kyler… Read more »