Under head coach Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears have put together one of the NFL’s fastest turnarounds. For the first time since 2018, they’ll host a playoff game. Regardless of the outcome, the Bears’ future looks incredibly promising.
Here’s a look at the Bears’ upcoming free agents and the players they’ll want to keep around heading into next season.
Chicago Bears’ Free Agents
- S Kevin Byard
- ED Joe Tryon
- C Ryan Bates
- DL Andrew Billings
- DL Chris Williams
- TE Durham Smythe
- S Jonathan Owens
- QB Case Keenum
- S Jaquan Brisker
- RB Travis Homer
- WR Olamide Zaccheaus
- CB Nick McCloud
- S Jaylon Jones
- LS Scott Daly
- WR Devin Duvernay
- CB Nahshon Wright
- LB Noah Sewell (RFA)
- ED Daniel Hardy (RFA)
- G Jordan McFadden
- LB D’Marco Jackson
- T Braxton Jones
- ED Dominique Robinson
- CB Elijah Hicks
- LT Theo Benedet
Chicago Bears 2026 Cap Space and Re-sign Candidates
Heading into the 2026 offseason, the Chicago Bears have just about $8.4 million to spend in free agency, 23rd most across the NFL. Luckily, the Bears have the majority of their stars locked into long-term deals, as well as a rookie contract quarterback in Caleb Williams.
Still, multiple starters are set to reach free agency. The priority list begins with safety, Kevin Byard. Byard, a team captain, has established himself as the leader of this Chicago unit and one of their top defensive playmakers. In fact, PFSN’s Impact Metric ranks Byard 22nd among all safeties in the NFL. The lone downside for Byard is his age. At 32, the Bears may choose to go in a new direction, either through free agency or the draft.
Byard isn’t the only safety hitting the market this summer, however, as Juquan Brisker also has an expiring deal. Brisker, a second-round selection in 2022, has been excellent in four years as a Bear. In 2025, PFSN ranked him 37th among safeties, posting an impact score of 75.5. At the prime age of 26, Brisker is much more likely to return to Chicago next season.
Aside from the Bears’ starting safeties, the remaining free agents have served more as depth pieces this season. WR Olamide Zaccheaus has provided a veteran presence to Chicago’s young offensive unit, hauling in 39 passes this season. Receiver Devin Duvernay, as well, has been solid, recording the fifth-most kick return yards at 1,069.
Nick McCloud, Jaylon Jones, and Jonathan Owens, Nahshon Wright have served as rotational defensive backs in recent years. With either Byard or Brisker potentially on the way out, Chicago may look to retain one or more of these defenders on a cheaper contract.
The Bears will have at least one more game to evaluate their options this offseason. In the meantime, they will utilize every one of these pieces in an effort towards a postseason run.
