The Chicago Bears Have A Problem Not Enough People Talk About

Excitement is rising for the Chicago Bears as they continue pushing into the playoff conversation at 4-2. They have a winnable stretch of games coming up as well, offering an opportunity to build momentum before the big divisional showdowns in November and December. Confidence is high. Much of that is thanks to their defense's continued excellent play. A core part of that is the secondary, headlined by safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Unfortunately, this formula faces a problem in the not-so-distant future.

Byard turns 32 next year, making his status with the team uncertain. Brisker, meanwhile, enters the final year of his rookie contract. That normally wouldn't be an issue. Just extend him, right? Well, Kyler Gordon also needs a new deal. The Bears already sank big money into Jaylon Johnson, Montez Sweat, and Tremaine Edmunds. They can't pay everybody. Brisker is also developing a reputation for concussion issues. He still hasn't returned from his most recent one against Carolina two weeks ago.

This might explain why team scouts have started popping up at games featuring top 2025 safety prospects in recent weeks.

The Chicago Bears are in a tough spot.

Building from within is something GM Ryan Poles has desired since he took over. There is no question he'd love nothing better than to extend Brisker and Gordon. They technically can, but sinking that much money into the secondary isn't always the best business, especially when the two guys you want to keep have injury issues. Gordon has also not been healthy at times over the past three seasons. If forced to make a choice, sticking with the nickel cornerback (Gordon) fits with Matt Eberflus' thinking.

That means the Chicago Bears have to start thinking about life beyond Brisker. It sucks, but this is the harsh reality of the modern NFL. You can't keep everybody. It sounds like the 2025 class will have a strong crop of safeties, led by Georgia's Malaki Starks and Penn State's Kevin Winston Jr. Both fit the team's preferred dimensions: big, strong, athletic, and great instincts. Don't be surprised if Chicago goes for a safety early next spring, sending a clear signal that changes are coming.