Overview
- GM Ryan Poles identified Kevin Byard as a priority to re-sign, and ESPN1000’s David Kaplan put the chances of a return at roughly 70/30 as Byard reiterated he wants to stay.
- Jaquan Brisker is viewed by multiple analysts as likely to reach the open market, with Spotrac estimating his value around $11.1 million per year.
- Both 2025 starters become unrestricted free agents on March 11, leaving Gervarrius Owens as the only safety currently under contract for 2026.
- With the Bears tracked at about negative $6.5 million in space on March 1, a projected 2026 cap of roughly $301.2 million offers some relief, and Brad Biggs pegs a Byard deal near $10 million annually.
- Chicago’s paths include drafting a safety—mock drafts link Dillon Thieneman at No. 25—or adding a veteran, with C.J. Gardner-Johnson posting hints of interest in staying.