ESPN insider predicts Bears could get priced out of one of their top free agents, here’s two clear options to potentially replace him
The Bears former second-round pick might have played his last game in Chicago.
The Chicago Bears are onto the offseason with some tough conversations coming up the pipeline for general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Ben Johnson, and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen to continue shaping this team into a Super Bowl contender.
Year 1 with this trio working together was a fruitful season that exceeded all expectations. The Bears finished with a 12-7 record, including playoffs, while winning the NFC North and even winning a home playoff game over the Green Bay Packers.
Yet, the page has to turn. It’s a new chapter in 2026 with some big decisions to make, however one decision might already be out of the team’s hands.
ESPN believes the Bears will be priced out of Jaquan Brisker in free agency
The Bears enter into the offseason with 26 free agents to decide whether or not to bring back in 2026. The most controversial of the bunch is easily strong safety Jaquan Brisker, who’s expected to gain some major attention on the open market.
“The 2022 second-round pick still doesn’t have an extension, which isn’t the best sign in terms of his future with a team that has a ton of offseason decisions to make. It sounds to me as if Brisker will have an outside market that prices him out of Chicago” – ESPN’s Dan Graziano
While meeting with the media on locker room clean out day at the start of the week, Brisker weighed in on his future in Chicago after playing out the final year of his rookie deal.
“These teammates, you know, we’re all not gonna be here again. Team’s gonna look different,” Brisker. “It’s sad because this was a special group. I really care about my teammates and my coaches and things like that. I care about this city, and who knows what’s next.”
Over the offseason, the Bears front office made the decision to extend fellow 2022 second-round pick and slot cornerback Kyler Gordon on a three-year, $40 million deal. No extension ever came to fruition with Brisker, as the team had obvious availability concerns with him after missing 12 games during the 2024 due to a third career concussion.
Brisker answered all of those concerns playing 19 games this season and had his best game of the season in the playoff loss to the Rams. He did everything in his power to earn a sizable payday in 2026 but, as Graziano said, it could be out of the Bears price range now.
Other options for the Bears to consider to replace Jaquan Brisker
Going back to the start of the 2025 season, Poles noted he was aware of the lack of depth at the safety position looking ahead to 2026 and how the team would look into the 2026 UFA options. There’s mutual interest in bringing back Kevin Byard at free safety, an easy decision in my opinion, but if Brisker walks the team will need to replace him. Here are two free agent options who can do that.
Nick Cross
The former Indianapolis Colts third-round selection is headed for free agency and coming of a year in which he totaled 16 pressures and 3.0 sacks (per PFF) in 17 games. He plays a similar role as Brisker and here’s what A to Z Sports Indianapolis Destin Adams had to say about Cross’ free agency outlook:
“Nick Cross was on a tear to start the season. Lou Anarumo put a lot on the young safety’s plate, and he was thriving in his new, diverse role. Through the first half of the year, many around the league began to wonder whether they were watching a future All-Pro due to Cross’ incredible athleticism and ability to excel in such a complex role under Anarumo. His play faltered down the stretch, though, showing he still had ways to go till he hits that type of ceiling.
His ideal role would be heavy usage in the box for a team that uses him as a blitzer at a high rate. I think he will still get more than people realize on the open market due to his age and the flashes he showed in 2025, but he may not compete for the top-paid free agent safety spot that some were projecting at the midway point.”
Jaylinn Hawkins
Hawkins is a cheaper option to consider after playing out his one-year, $2.25 million contract with the New England Patriots. In that year, Hawkins earned a solid pay raise himself after posting nine pressures and 2.0 sacks (per PFF) while having 71 tackles in 15 games.
Cross would be my ideal replacement for Brisker at a slightly less cost than what Brisker is expected to get. But, if the Bears want someone for a much cheaper price, Hawkins would be the guy to watch out for in free agency.
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