The Chicago Bears have some tough decisions to make on the backend of their secondary, as four safeties are set to enter free agency. Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are at the top of the list, which could ultimately force GM Ryan Poles to choose between the two.
Both players have made it known they would love to return, but Byard recently brought it up again when speaking to Adam Hoge and Adam Jahns of HogeandJahns.com at the Pro Bowl. He was asked about his future with the team ahead of free agency, and didn't hide that he would love to return.
"The hardest thing to do in this league is to get the quarterback and head coach right," Byard said. "I think that’s something that Chicago has so I think that window is going to be open for as long as it needs to be so obviously I would love to come back and play for the Bears.”
His comments are in line with what Poles said and that doesn't seem to bode well for Brisker.
Jaquan Brisker's Future with Bears May Be in Doubt
At the end of the year press conference, Poles didn't hold back his excitement to bring Byard back for the 2026 season.
"I think Kevin is a special player," Poles said. "I have no problem saying that's a player that we would like to have back, but again, when you add the other safeties in that mix and all the other decisions across the roster, cap restraints, things like that, it will be a challenge."
The fact that he made a point to call out Byard is telling, while he kept things vague around Brisker. Byard has spent the last two seasons in Chicago, but what he did in 2025 under Dennis Allen was special.
Over 17 games, Byard finished with 93 total tackles, eight pass deflections, and a league-high seven interceptions. He was also a First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler, solidifying himself as one of the best players at his position. He gave the Bears a true ball hawk, and given he's 32 years old, it'll cost less to keep him around. Spotrac lists his projected market value at $7.8 million.
As for Brisker, Spotrac has his projected market value as $11.1 million. He's just 26 years old and showed flashes with the Bears. This season, Brisker had 93 total tackles, eight pass deflections, and one interception. Yet in 2024, he missed the final 12 games due to concussion issues. The former Penn State product was also up and down as a pass defender.
Whether it is fair to Brisker or not, those concussions will play a role in exactly how much money teams are willing to invest in him moving forward. The odds are he'll still get a bigger deal on the open market due to his age and growth potential. You can see a team taking a chance on him while the Bears decide to keep the savvy vet around.
Byard wants to be back, and it sounds like the Bears do too. Only time will tell, but the veteran isn't hiding his interest.