Following several seasons spent in a state of gridiron limbo, being part of the Chicago Bears organization is currently quite favorable. The Bears hold a 10-4 standing heading into their Saturday matchup with the Green Bay Packers, and a victory could potentially secure their initial division championship since the 2018 campaign. All indicators suggest positive outcomes for the Bears, with the exception of safety Jaquan Brisker.
Brisker has contributed to a defensive unit boasting the league’s highest interception count (21) and turnover percentage (19.7%) entering Week 16, a tally that includes his own pick during the Oct. 13 victory against the Washington Commanders. Despite not achieving the substantial statistical output of his fellow safety, Kevin Byard, it increasingly appears he might be seeking employment elsewhere come the next offseason.
Jaquan Brisker’s Improved Physical Condition Might Not Secure His Position in Chicago
In contrast to many players experiencing discontent late in the season, Brisker has received numerous chances to demonstrate his capabilities. Having been restricted to just five appearances last season due to head injuries, Brisker has participated in 14 games, accumulating 69 total stops, one tackle for loss, five deflected passes, and a quarterback sack. Furthermore, he has exhibited the proficiency he displayed during his initial two years, where he recorded 209 total tackles, 11 pass deflections, five sacks, and two interceptions earlier in his professional tenure.
Nevertheless, he has been unable to solidify his place within Chicago’s enduring strategies.
The Chicago organization possesses legitimate justifications for this situation. Primarily, Byard has proven to be the more influential of the two safety players, topping the NFL with six interceptions. Additionally, he provides significant leadership qualities as a two-time (and probably a three-time by year’s end) Pro Bowl selection and embodies the defensive approach preferred by defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
Around this period last year, the Bears also held reservations regarding Brisker’s sustained well-being, especially after he disclosed needing to “re-educate his neural pathways” following three concussions sustained the previous year.
Although these circumstances are far from perfect, retaining Byard also presents certain issues. He will reach the age of 33 during the upcoming year’s training camp, and despite his impressive interception figures this season, he might be susceptible to a decline, having logged more picks this season (6) than across his prior three seasons aggregated (3).
Nonetheless, Byard represents an ideal partner for a novice safety, given his consistent performance and capacity for guidance. This contributes to the likelihood that the Bears will retain him and integrate a young player via the 2026 draft.
Consequently, this would compel Brisker to seek employment with another NFL franchise. He still possesses a chance during the concluding weeks of the regular season and the postseason to influence opinions within the team, yet it appears increasingly probable that his tenure in Chicago is nearing its conclusion as the club devises an alternative strategy for the safety role.
This content first appeared on www.dawindycity.com under the title Jaquan Brisker Dangerously Close to the Bears’ Breaking Point .
