The Chicago Bears lost some notable free agents this offseason. Kevin Byard left for New England. Nahshon Wright departed for New York. C.J. Gardner-Johnson went to Buffalo. It was a tough blow to the secondary. However, the one that seemed to hit the hardest was Jaquan Brisker. Those other names, while very good players, were free agent additions. They’d arrived as mercenaries meant to help the team in the past couple of seasons. Brisker was different. He was a homegrown talent the Bears drafted in the 2nd round in 2022.
They’d viewed him as part of their rebuild. By and large, that mission was accomplished. Brisker was a central part of their defense during the long process, culminating in that division title last season. It’s rather fitting that one of his best games was his last in the loss to the Rams. Sadly, the business of the NFL caught up. Facing a serious cap crunch, the Bears had some tough decisions. That meant having to let several players leave in free agency. Brisker was one of them. His exit was surprisingly quiet, given his outspoken presence online. Well, that silence was finally broken as the safety delivered a heartfelt message to Bears fans.
Jaquan Brisker let the emotions flow.
“Very Very Overdue.. The fans and city of Chicago deserve this! To the city of Chicago, it’s been nothing but Love since the day I was drafted! The love, energy, passion of the fans I felt it immediately. Thank you for letting me live my DREAM, hearing my name called and being drafted! Also, welcoming my family and I for 4 wonderful years. Everything we been through from the start to get to here , it’s been a JOURNEY! One where these memories will last forever. Can’t say enough but great things about the city of Chicago and their beautiful fans! I Appreciate the fans for always showing up, no matter what you guys stay true! I mean it from the bottom of my heart, I will forever love you, all the memories, everything.
Seeing the 9 jerseys all around the stadium with the Brisker on the back was special and will always go a long way! I left it better than what I found it ! To my teammates, I thank you .. The love, support, memories, and brotherhood we built together over the years will forever go far! My Brothers for life. Grateful for the organization and every fan who loved me through it all. Y’all changed my life. Forever a bear. This will always be my home.”
Brisker built a strong legacy in Chicago.
There were no controversies with the safety during his time here. He showed up, worked hard, played hard, and did everything he could to galvanize the team to success. It was reflected in his play. Brisker always played with a downhill, aggressive style. He collected 342 tackles in four seasons, seven sacks, four interceptions, and four forced fumbles. Just solid all-around production. Under normal circumstances, the Bears probably would’ve chosen to retain him. Cap issues made it impossible.
There was also the Dennis Allen factor. Chicago’s defensive coordinator wasn’t the one who drafted Brisker. He was a product of the previous coaching staff. It would make sense that he would prefer to bring in safeties that fit his vision. It happens all the time. Brisker has no reason to feel bitter. He got to return to his home state of Pennsylvania and sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. If he maintains his solid play, Brisker should have no problem building a future there.
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Was Brisker a hit or a miss?
This will be a topic some Bears fans debate. Usually, with 2nd round picks, you hope they become long-term starters for your franchise. In reality, only 35-40% of safeties selected in that range actually receive a second contract from the teams that drafted them. That isn’t to say Jaquan Brisker didn’t deserve one. It came down to priorities. The Bears felt they would have an easier time replacing losses at safety than they would’ve at more premium positions like defensive line and cornerback.
Don’t forget they signed Byard to a modest deal two years ago. They picked Gardner-Johnson off the street. You can find good safeties with a bargain approach. That said, based on how their offseason went, it is hard to argue that the Bears didn’t upgrade, at least from a talent perspective. They signed Super Bowl champion Coby Bryant in free agency and spent their 1st round pick on Dillon Thieneman. None of this means Brisker won’t be missed. As 2nd round picks go, he’s been one of the better ones they’ve had in a long time.
