The Chicago Bears are facing some difficult decisions to make at the safety position. Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byrad both played well in 2025, but both are hitting free agency when the new league year begins. As Brisker is coming off of his rookie contract, he will be making a more substantial amount of money on his next contract. As the Bears are hard-pressed against the salary cap, they may not be able to re-sign him.
Byard was an All-Pro last season, but is entering his age 33 season. He may be both too expensive and too old for the Bears to consider bringing back.
Undoubtedly, the safety position is one that Chicago will target in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. That being said, they may also look to acquire a veteran on the trade market.
Chicago Bears encouraged to trade for safety Budda Baker
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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In a recent article published by Bleacher Report, NFL analyst Alex Ballentine listed a dream trade for each franchise. When it came to Chicago, he urged the Bears to trade for eight-time Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker:
The Bears are fresh off a breakout season in Ben Johnson’s first season, but they have major questions at the safety position. Both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are slated to become free agents.
Byard is coming off an All-Pro season, but he’s also 32. Brisker is coming off his rookie contract and has played a full season just once in four years.
Chicago has a two-year window left before Caleb Williams fifth-year option kicks in and they have to start paying the quarterback. A move to acquire another star defensive player in Baker is the kind of all-in move that could raise the stakes in the NFC North.
Baker was named to his seventh-consecutive Pro Bowl this season, raking up 120 tackles for the Cardinals defense. His versatility and tackling ability make him a huge chess piece in Arizona’s defense.
It would also make him right at home in Dennis Allen’s defense. The fact that he could chase a ring in Chicago after a few rough seasons in Arizona makes the idea even more fun.
The problem with this suggestion, though, is that Baker is carrying a $19 million cap hit into 2026. One would think that if the Bears were going to pay that much for a safety, they would likely want to retain either or both Brisker and Byard.
That being said, Baker has been named to the Pro Bowl in seven consecutive seasons (not that the honor means much anymore). He is entering his age 30 season and presumably has a bit more to offer. This is a trade proposal that may be just what BR says it is: a dream. However, it does underscore how important it will be for Chicago to address the safety position.
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