The Chicago Bears’ decision not to draft a safety in the 2025 NFL Draft has raised eyebrows, especially considering the current state of the position on their roster. They are set to rely on Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard, both of whom are entering the final year of their contracts.
PFSN’s Sterling Xie recognizes their offensive needs:
“Unsurprisingly, the Ben Johnson-era Chicago Bears have invested heavily in offense to help Johnson fulfill his vision on that side of the ball. Caleb Williams’ development is easily the most important factor in the Bears’ upcoming season, even more so than returning to the playoffs.
“However, that doesn’t mean the defense should be ignored. While that side of the ball had more pre-existing talent, safety looked like a potential weak spot given Brisker’s persistent concussion woes. Both Brisker and Byard are in the final year of their contracts, with the latter turning 32 before the start of the season.
“As such, it would have been reasonable for the Bears to use a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick on a safety to ensure they’re not scrambling to replace both starters next offseason. Now, Chicago could really use a productive and healthy season from Brisker, who would likely get a nice contract next spring if he delivers on that hope.”
Jaquan Brisker: Promising Yet Injury-Prone
Brisker showcases the ability to play both deep safety and in-the-box roles. He has good athleticism that allows him to match up against receivers and athletic tight ends, as well as a high football IQ and excellent tackling skills. He can cover a lot of ground, reads plays and routes well, and stays in position.
In other words, he doesn’t blow assignments. He could improve his pursuit angles on ball carriers and has misjudged paths, leading to missed tackles. He also needs to get looser in the hips so he can flip and recover when covering speedy receivers on vertical routes.
The most alarming aspect of Brisker is his history of concussions. He’s had three in three years, costing him in several games in 2022 and missing 12 games in 2024 after a concussion in Week 5.
Kevin Byard: Veteran Leadership With Aging Concerns
Byard is a two-time All-Pro who signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Bears and has been worth every penny. He’s got great instincts and anticipates and jumps routes, allowing him to effectively patrol the deep middle. He gathers his compact frame to track and level the ball as an aggressive run defender, demonstrating physicality and tackling prowess.
He’s been remarkably durable throughout his career, having not missed a game — speaking to his resilience and conditioning. He’s a recognized leader on and off the field, bringing experience and mentorship to the secondary.
However, at age 32, he is entering the latter stages of his career. While his experience is invaluable, there may be concerns about a possible decline in performance.
Chicago Bears’ Depth Concerns at Safety
Beyond Brisker and Byard, the Bears have Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens, who have mainly been special-teams contributors. The team signed UDFA Major Burns from LSU, who could be a contributor considering the concerns about Brisker’s health.
Not addressing the safety position in the draft could have long-term implications. With both starting safeties on expiring contracts and depth concerns present, the Bears may have to dip into free agency or future drafts to bolster the position.
Simultaneously, ensuring the development of Williams remains paramount. While it’s understandable that the Bears would want to give Johnson all the weapons he needs to maximize Williams’ development, they are neglecting the safety position — and that could come back to bite them.
