The Chicago Bears have their work cut out for them on defense. They have several holes to plug, in addition to multiple players hitting free agency. Safety Jaquan Brisker is one of those players, and fellow free agent Kamren Curl could alter Brisker's plan to return to the Windy City.
ESPN's Matt Bowen released an article listing the best team for the top 50 players hitting the open market, and named Chicago as the place for Curl. In Bowen's reasoning, he wrote, "In coordinator Dennis Allen's defense, Curl can play as an interchangeable safety and improve the Bears' run defense. And don't be surprised if the team brings back Byard to join him, too."
And while Brisker has made it known he would love to be back in Chicago, the idea of Curl joining the Bears is fascinating.
Kamren Curl Could Alter Jaquan Brisker Plans for Returning to Bears
Curl has shown he can be a quality run defender while offering more versatility in coverage than Brisker. This past season with the Rams, Curl had a career-high 122 total tackles, five pass deflections, and two interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, he notched a 73.1 overall grade (16th among 98 graded safeties), 66.1 coverage grade (35th among 98 graded safeties), and an 84.7 run-defense grade (6th among 98 graded safeties).
Meanwhile, Brisker had 93 total tackles, eight pass breakups, and one pick. Per PFF, he logged a 60.4 overall grade (68th among 98 graded safeties), 73.7 run-defense grade (34th among 98 graded safeties), and a 50.9 coverage grade (76th among 98 graded safeties).
Both players are set to have nice markets, but Spotrac believes that Brisker will get a touch more. They project Curl to get a four-year, $40 million deal, with Brisker landing a three-year, $33 million contract. From all things considered, they are slated to get very similar deals, but it will come down to preference.
Chicago also has Kevin Byard hitting free agency, but he led the NFL in interceptions in 2025. The odds are they will retain the savvy veteran and pair him with another safety. Curl could be that guy for the Bears, as he would be a great fit in Dennis Allen's defense. The ability to move all around and play multiple spots is very valuable. He's also set to turn 27 years in March and is entering the prime of his career.
Brisker gave the Bears some juice during his tenure there, but the potential of Curl joining them would put an end to that idea. Chicago has some tough decisions to make, and it could spell the end of Brisker in the Windy City.