The Chicago Bears have begun the important process of extending their first draft picks of the Ryan Poles era. Kyler Gordon received his this offseason, ensuring the team retains one of the league's better nickel cornerbacks. Many are already looking ahead to Darnell Wright, who is in the midst of a fantastic third season at right tackle. Locking him down is probably their top priority. After that, it gets tricky. There is no greater uncertainty at this stage than safety Jaquan Brisker.
At times over the past 3.5 seasons, the former 2nd round pick has looked like a budding star. His toughness, versatility, and leadership made him a headache for opposing offenses to handle. Unfortunately, Brisker hasn't escaped a persistent label of being injury-prone. He has yet to play a full season in his NFL career, missing all but five games in 2024. He hasn't missed a game yet this season, which is a good sign. However, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune made it sound like it might be too little, too late.
Four picks from the 2022 draft will be coming out of contract: Safety Jaquan Brisker, left tackle Braxton Jones, defensive end Dominique Robinson and safety Elijah Hicks. Aside from Wright, five players from the 2023 draft will have one year remaining and be eligible for an extension: Dexter, Stevenson, running back Roschon Johnson, linebacker Noah Sewell and cornerback Terell Smith.
Given Brisker’s history of concussions, my guess is the Bears will look to rebuild at safety and consider re-signing Kevin Byard III, who leads the NFL with five interceptions.
Jaquan Brisker faces multiple problems.
For one, the Bears have already sunk a lot of money into the defense with Gordon's extension as well as the additions of Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo. It doesn't help that their top three safeties are all set to become free agents, and Jaquan Brisker is the least productive. Kevin Byard has five interceptions. C.J. Gardner-Johnson has three sacks. Brisker has one sack and one interception. The Bears might be inclined to retain Byard and Gardner-Johnson on more modest contracts rather than hand Brisker a sizable deal.
The only way that could be avoided is if they either unload some of their largest deals on the payroll to free up space or if Brisker is willing to take less money than he may feel he's worth. So much of this depends on how Ben Johnson, Dennis Allen, and the coaching staff feel about him.
