The Chicago Bears entered 2026 NFL free agency needing to shore up the safety position. Their duo of starters of 2025, Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, both hit the open market. And while Byard signed with the New England Patriots, Brisker is still available.
Indeed, Byard chose to sign with New England over Chicago due to his relationship with Patriots head coach Mike Vrable, whom he played for during his days with the Tennessee Titans.
Now that the first three days of NFL free agency are over (Wednesday was the first “official” day), many of the most high-profile players are off the market. Now, Brisker is considered one of the best players available.
Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker named the 10th-best NFL free agent available
Chicago Bears Jaquan Brisker celebrates a sack – Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Brisker, who was selected by Chicago in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, is a free agent for the first time in his career. He is also coming off a 2025 season in which he played all 17 games for the first time in his career.
Last year, he had an interception, eight passes defended, and 93 tackles.
CBS Sports analysts recently named him the tenth-best NFL free agent still available, writing:
“After an injury sidelined him for all but five games in 2024, Brisker played in each of Chicago’s 19 games (including the postseason) in 2025. In 17 regular-season games, Brisker made 92 tackles, had one interception and broke up eight passes for the NFC North champions.
“A solid tackler, it’s safe to say that Brisker’s best football is still ahead of him as he is still just 26 years old.”
Undoubtedly, Brisker will eventually sign somewhere and get a pay raise in comparison to what he made on his rookie contract with the Bears.
Still, he allowed a 75.0% completion percentage and 127.6 passer rating when targeted last season, which may explain why he remains unsigned right now.
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