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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: Kevin Byard III #31 and Jaquan Brisker #9 of the Chicago Bears look on against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears are heading into free agency with clarity forming at one of their most important defensive spots.

Both starting safeties from last season are set to hit the open market, but recent comments and league buzz suggest the organization has a clear preference.

General manager Ryan Poles has already publicly identified Kevin Byard as a priority.

That aligns with reporting from Brad Biggs.

He noted, “I get the sense there’s optimism a deal can be struck after his All-Pro season.” Biggs added that after earning $15 million over the last two seasons, Byard could land something close to $10 million annually on a short term deal.

At the same time, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton included Jaquan Brisker among free agents who may be disappointed by how their market develops.

“Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles publicly mentioned All-Pro safety Kevin Byard as someone he wants to re-sign. This likely means the team will allow Jaquan Brisker to walk in free agency,” Moton wrote.

Put it all together, and the direction feels obvious.

Kevin Byard’s Bears Return Gaining Momentum

Byard is coming off one of the best seasons of his career.

The 32-year-old led the NFL with seven interceptions and earned First Team All-Pro honors in 2025. Beyond the production, he became a stabilizing veteran leader in the Bears secondary.

The timing also works in Chicago’s favor.

The NFL salary cap is jumping to $301.2 million for 2026, giving teams more flexibility across the board. That increase strengthens the Bears’ ability to finalize a deal with Byard before he reaches the open market.

NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah may have indirectly helped Chicago’s leverage as well.

During Combine coverage, he said, “Tough day for free agent free safeties,” referencing the strong incoming draft class at the position.

If teams believe they can find value in April, it could suppress the veteran market, including Byard’s.

Still, league sentiment suggests mutual interest. All signs point to Chicago making sure its All-Pro ball hawk does not leave the building.

Market Forces Working Against Bears Keeping Jaquan Brisker

Brisker did everything he could in a contract year. After concussion issues earlier in his career, he started every game last season and posted 93 tackles, eight pass breakups and an interception.

He proved durable and productive, answering the biggest question that once hovered over him.

He also showed up when it mattered most. In the playoff matchup against the Rams, Jaquan Brisker finished with 14 total tackles, eight solo stops, one sack, one tackle for loss, two pass breakups and a quarterback hit.

But his skill set may not command top dollar. Moton noted that while Brisker can play both safety spots, he is best near the line of scrimmage attacking downhill. That physical, tone setting role does not always translate to elite contracts at the position.

“The ball hawking defenders get the big bucks,” Moton wrote.

Spotrac projects Brisker’s value around $11.1 million per year. With a deep safety draft class and multiple veteran options available, there is growing belief that the Bears may have to move on from him.

As free agency approaches, the Bears appear to be leaning toward keeping Byard and letting Brisker walk.

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