Sounds Like One Position Is Higher On Bears Draft Board Than We Think
Something important to remember in this entire off-season process is that what fans and media might perceive as the biggest team needs may not align with the team’s thoughts. That is particularly true when it changes coaching staffs. Suddenly, players who might’ve appeared safe are anything but. The Chicago Bears face this situation going into the 2025 season. Everyone knew the offensive and defensive lines would be a focus regardless of who coached the team. After that, the debates started.
People have argued about where GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson may focus their efforts to boost the roster. While running back, tight end and left tackle have headlined the discussions; it appears one may have been undersold. Poles admitted as much to Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns of The Athletic.
“That safety position stuff, especially when you play a physical brand of football, which (Brisker) does, you’re always going to want depth really at any position, but it’s definitely something that we do have to consider,” he said.
Safety isn’t talked about much because it looks as if the Bears have their starters already, Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard. Unfortunately, this ignores the uncomfortable reality of both situations. Brisker missed most of last season with a concussion and is in the last year of his contract. Byard turns 32 this year and also has one year left. It’s likely both could be gone by next season.
The Chicago Bears have to think about the future.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen values the safety position highly. The good news is he’s already a big fan of Brisker. In fact, the New Orleans Saints planned to draft him in 2022 before the Bears got there first. That could indicate a chance Brisker sticks around. The issue is he must earn it by staying on the field. Between his first three seasons, he’s missed 16 games. No team wants to pay players they can’t trust to stay available. If the same proves true this season, there is no chance he will get a new contract.
As for Byard, older players tend to get phased out after their deals run out. It feels like the perfect time to draft his eventual replacement. It is a good safety crop in the upcoming draft. Allen has a strong track record for identifying good ones. Don’t be surprised if the Chicago Bears target that position in the 3rd or even 2nd rounds. Much depends on how the board falls.