As the Chicago Bears navigate the current season, questions are already surfacing about the long-term future of key players on their roster. One prominent name caught in the speculation is safety Jaquan Brisker, whose rookie contract is set to expire in 2026. According to one top team insider, the Bears may choose to part ways with the once-promising second-round pick rather than sign him to a second contract.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune recently weighed in on the Bears’ upcoming free agents from the 2022 draft class. He suggested that Brisker’s recurring injury concerns could lead the front office to look in a different direction to solidify the safety position for the future.
Injury History Clouds Brisker’s Future With The Chicago Bears
In his analysis, Biggs pointed to Brisker’s history with concussions as a major red flag for the organization. “Given Brisker’s history of concussions, my guess is the Bears will look to rebuild at safety,” Biggs wrote. He added that the team might instead prioritize re-signing veteran Kevin Byard III, who has been a standout performer this season, leading the NFL with five interceptions.
Brisker’s time in Chicago has been a mix of impactful play and frustrating stints on the sideline. Since being drafted, he has established himself as a hard-hitting, versatile safety who excels against the run and can hold his own in coverage. Over his first two seasons, he recorded 209 total tackles, 5.0 sacks, and two interceptions. However, his availability has been a persistent issue. He underwent thumb surgery before his rookie year and sustained multiple concussions in 2022 and 2023, with one sidelining him for 12 games in 2024.
Though he has remained relatively healthy this season and continues to be a productive part of the defense, the risk associated with his durability cannot be ignored.
A Tough Decision Looms for Chicago
When healthy, Brisker is undoubtedly an asset. He is a solid blitzer and a physical presence in the secondary. Through Week 12 of the current season, he has tallied 49 tackles, three QB hits, a sack, and an interception. As the team’s only homegrown starting safety under the age of 30, he represents a significant investment by the current regime.
However, the potential emergence of other players could make Brisker expendable. The mid-season acquisition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been a success, and alongside the stellar play of Byard, the Bears may have a veteran tandem they prefer to build around. If Brisker finishes his contract strong, he could command a significant salary, potentially in the $11-13 million per year range. The Bears will have to weigh whether that financial commitment is worth the risk given his injury history, or if investing in other players and the NFL draft is the smarter path forward.
