Before the Chicago Bears can think about getting better for next season, they have several important decisions to make regarding in-house free agents. No position group is more in flux than the safeties. As things stand, four names are set to become free agents, including both of their primary starters: Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Jonathan Owens. It creates an interesting situation for GM Ryan Poles to tackle ahead of the new league year in March.
Bears reporters asked him what the team’s plans might be regarding that position, knowing the salary cap could make things tricky. Poles’ reply was careful, but may have betrayed his priorities.
“Yeah, like I said, we’re going to take a step back and kind of evaluate that and put that puzzle together. It’s actually four safeties that are not under contract for next year. So, I got a lot of faith in our process that we’ll do that. I will. I think Kevin’s a special player. I have no problem saying, you know, that’s a player that we would like to have back.”
Remember, Poles said there are four safeties becoming free agents. However, he only mentioned one of them by name. It seems pretty clear that the Bears GM will be focused on keeping Byard in Chicago for at least another year or two. That isn’t entirely a surprise after seven interceptions this season, along with the safety’s outstanding leadership.
Ryan Poles must ask himself a difficult question.
Who does he think the defense can live without? Brisker has been a solid player for them since being drafted in 2022. However, his production has never stood out too much. This year, he had 90+ tackles, a sack, and an interception. Yes, his versatility provided them with great flexibility, but such players are easier to find than ones like Byard, who can force turnovers at such a high rate. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has a strong track record for finding capable safeties. It isn’t hard to imagine he can navigate life without Brisker.
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The complicating factor in this is Byard’s age. He turns 33 before next season. There is no telling how many good seasons he has left. Even if the Bears keep him, they must start thinking about the future anyway. GM Ryan Poles will likely have safety high on his list for the upcoming NFL draft. Gardner-Johnson figures to be a discussion as well. Owens is a top special teams ace. Poles has some tough decisions ahead. Based on his comments, at least one person won’t be back.
