One of the defining pieces of the Chicago Bears' 2026 offseason was opting to move on from Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, Jonathan Owens, Nahshon Wright, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. It was a mass exit from the team's secondary in an offseason that otherwise had little turnover as the Bears kept their core intact. In place of the departing players, Chicago brought in Coby Bryant and rookie Dillon Thieneman, giving the secondary a new look.
There is also hope that Kyler Gordon will finally be able to prove healthy and able to stay on the field for an extended period. With all of this in mind, there is no question that the defining decision of the team's offseason was remaking the secondary and showing so much trust in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to make the most of the current talent.
Looking at offseason decisions, this is by far the biggest risk and will define how the defense fares in the 2026 season. The Bears have the offensive talent to be a playoff team no matter how these new pieces gel; however, there is no denying that to make a Super Bowl run, the changes are going to have to prove to be positive.
Bears Secondary Realignment Unquestionably will Become Defining 2026 Offseason Decision
Fans should expect some understandable growing pains early in the season, with the final product not becoming clear until the middle of the season. Allen is going to need time to figure out which pieces can be trusted and to help ease a new safety duo into what will be a defense facing incredibly high expectations.
This is where it is important to note that Ben Johnson's offense goes a long way in taking pressure off the new unit with his ability to sustain long drives with his unique offensive approach. Still, if the Bears are going to accomplish the ultimate goal, it is going to take the new-look unit proving to be a clear upgrade.
Byard is now with the New England Patriots, while Brisker joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, as both key defenders found new landing spots for the expected AFC contenders. Chicago made an effort to get younger at the position and find fits that better align with the current window of contention.
It is a decision that is going to be looked back on as a defining one, as the franchise made drastic changes to no other positions in the 2026 offseason.
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