Bears Unlikely to Re-Sign Star Safeties Byard and Brisker

Chicago Tribune reporter Brad Biggs casts doubt on the Bears retaining their top two free agent safeties.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Chicago Bears are expected to sign former Seahawks defensive back Coby Bryant in free agency, which makes it unlikely they will be able to re-sign star safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, according to Bears insider Brad Biggs. Biggs believes the Bears are moving on from Brisker and that Elijah Hicks is the most likely safety to return as a depth option alongside Bryant.

Why it matters

The Bears' safety position was a major need heading into the offseason, and the expected signing of Coby Bryant addresses that. However, losing both Byard and Brisker would be a significant blow, as they were two of the team's top defensive playmakers. The Bears will likely need to find their next long-term safety solution in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The details

The Bears are expected to sign former Seahawks defensive back Coby Bryant, who is fresh off a Super Bowl championship, to address their safety need. However, this move makes it unlikely the team will be able to re-sign star safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, who are both still available in free agency. Bears insider Brad Biggs believes the team is moving on from Brisker, and that Elijah Hicks is the most likely safety to return as a depth option alongside Bryant.

  • The Bears are expected to sign Coby Bryant on the first day of the NFL's free agency negotiation period.

The players

Coby Bryant

A defensive back who recently won a Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks.

Kevin Byard

An All-Pro safety who is currently a free agent.

Jaquan Brisker

A safety who is currently a free agent after playing for the Bears.

Elijah Hicks

A safety who could return to the Bears as a depth option.

Brad Biggs

A reporter for the Chicago Tribune who covers the Bears.

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What they’re saying

“I would have to believe the arrival of Coby Bryant makes it unlikely Kevin Byard would re-sign with the Bears. I think I've been pretty adamant all along that I don't think there's a future with the organization for Jaquan Brisker.”

— Brad Biggs, Bears Reporter (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The Bears will likely look to the 2026 NFL Draft to find their next starting safety to pair with Coby Bryant.

The takeaway

The Bears' signing of Coby Bryant signals they are moving on from their top two free agent safeties, Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. This leaves a significant hole in the secondary that the team will need to address, most likely through the upcoming draft.