Coming into this season, most would’ve agreed that safety Jaquan Brisker was one of the top extension priorities looking toward 2025. He’d become one of their most reliable defensive backs, showcasing terrific versatility. Things were going well through the first month. Brisker was arguably off to the best start to his career. Then, a collision with Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble changed everything. Brisker was knocked out of the game with a concussion. It was hoped he’d be back within the next week or two.
That didn’t happen. In fact, it still hasn’t. Now, according to head coach Matt Eberflus, it won’t happen again this week. Mind you, Brisker suffered the injury on October 6th. That means he has been out a whole month. It would be one thing if this were a knee, ankle, or hamstring issue. The fact it’s a concussion keeping him out this long raises serious red flags about his well-being, both in the short and long term. Forget an extension. Brisker may face the possibility of not playing football again at this rate.
It also puts the Bears in a difficult spot about the future of that position.
Uncertainty of Jaquan Brisker makes safety a need.
Safety was far from a thought when looking ahead to the 2025 off-season. Kevin Byard was signed for two years, and Brisker was entrenched as the other starter. Depth was the only question mark for GM Ryan Poles to consider. If this concussion issue persists, the Bears must consider pivoting elsewhere. It’s cold and calculated, but Poles is duty-bound to do what is best for the team. He can’t gamble on Brisker’s long-term health, which means he needs to find somebody else.
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Chicago has four picks in the first three rounds, including two 2nd round picks. Obviously, the offensive and defensive lines will be a heavy focus. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Bears plucked a safety somewhere in that range. Early projections have eight safeties ranked in this class’s top 100 overall prospects. If Jaquan Brisker doesn’t rebound soon, don’t be shocked if Poles decides to dabble in that group next April. Hopefully, it won’t come to that.
Erik writes about players either because that is what he knows, or because that is what people want to hear. How are the CURRENT safeties being managed. Most teams draft to the future. They coach for the future instead of reliance on one guy to carry the team. Especially a rookie who you don’t know. Without coaching, Ryan Poles is just drafting on “Central Casting” principles (you look like a prototypical safety, so you’re out guy). Years ago, teams, including the Bears, didn’t draft Aaron Donald, because he was “too short.” They knew about his motor, but they passed on… Read more »
I just don’t know if a 2nd rounder is gonna do it. Maybe a 3rd
@David You have yet to list your three favorite nation-states and your three favorite Bears players. Why not? Afraid of criticism? I double dare you!
Multiple sources indicated that Poles has operated as an arrogant GM. Confidence is one thing, but arrogance is another regardless of a fine line between them. The problems of arrogance go beyond whether a person is actually deserving of possessing this attitude. The other problems relate to whether or not such a person can ever really recognize his errors and then learn to make even minor or critical adjustments to correct his perceptions, understandings, and decision-making. So far, I have not seen the necessary adjustments with Poles. I am not convinced that he even recognizes a learning curve for himself.… Read more »
Yes this is a cold business as you indicate that Ryan Poles know, however i think the question becomes will Poles even be employed here next April, he’s had what, 3 years to right this ship, not only is it listing, it’s sinking fast…….!