The Chicago Bears are in a somewhat unfamiliar position. For the first time in years, they aren’t picking in the top 10 of the NFL draft. Not only that, but they also have limited salary cap space, meaning it’s unlikely they will do much shopping on the veteran market come March. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson must find a way not only to keep the team strong but also to improve it despite limited resources. The first step in that process is figuring out which players they must keep and who they may have to let walk.
Matt Bowen of ESPN did a study on the upcoming free agency landscape, pinpointing who he considers the top 50 players set to hit the open market. There are no-brainers like Trey Hendrickson, George Pickens, Jaelen Phillips, and Breece Hall. Fans might be surprised to find out that only two Bears players cracked the list: cornerback Nahshon Wright and safety Jaquan Brisker. All-Pro safety Kevin Byard was an honorable mention.
This paints a clear picture of who the Bears may have to let walk.
37. Nahshon Wright, CB
2025 team: Chicago Bears | Age entering 2026 season: 27
What he brings: A long, linear cornerback at 6-foot-4, 199 pounds, Wright had a career-best five interceptions in 2025. He took one back for a touchdown and also broke up seven passes. Though Wright lacks high-end recovery speed, his length, play instincts and production will increase his value for a defense that needs help in man coverage and Cover 2.
44. Jaquan Brisker, S
2025 team: Chicago Bears | Age entering 2026 season: 27
What he brings: A downhill safety who creates disruption near the line of scrimmage, Brisker played in all 17 games this season after missing 12 in 2024 with a concussion. He’s an alley filler who can blitz, plus he can play over the top in the deep half. In four seasons with the Bears, Brisker has had four interceptions, seven sacks and 14 pass breakups.
The Chicago Bears likely will let those two walk.
It hurts because Wright was such a key part of the team’s playoff push, collecting five interceptions after being thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries. Chicago has already given Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon contract extensions. They can’t afford a third. Brisker, meanwhile, played his first full season, never missing a game. He was outstanding in the playoffs, especially against Los Angeles. The problem is his production has never really stood out, with 93 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception. His versatility is valuable, but not enough to warrant the $10 million or more a year to keep him.
These are the sorts of calculated sacrifices good teams must make these days. Such is the reality of the salary cap era. The Chicago Bears must make a tough decision. Who do they feel they can replace most easily without losing steam? Wright and Brisker fit that profile. Both are good players, but neither is a star. Those types of players hit the market all the time, waiting for other teams to overpay them. Depending on how the Bears approach free agency, the two may help by securing future compensatory picks.
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