The Chicago Bears have been busy handing out new contracts to current players just weeks after splurging on new additions in free agency and before they select a new crop of rookies in the 2025 NFL Draft.
One of those left in need of clarity on their future, safety Jaquan Brisker, may have gotten all he needs from new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
Allen, who revealed plans to move Kyler Gordon around the Bears’ defense, also spoke highly about Brisker.
Bears DC Dennis Allen to Jaquan Brisker: Be Available & Willing
Dennis Allen Liked Jaquan Brisker Before Joining Bears
“The biggest thing for Jaquan is just his ability to be healthy and available. When I looked at him coming out of the draft from Penn State, we really liked him. Big, physical safety. Has athleticism. He’s got all the traits that you’re looking for,” Allen told Clocker Sports on April 17.
“Unfortunately for him, he hasn’t been as healthy as he needs to be for him to have the success.”
Brisker logged back-to-back seasons with at least 100 total tackles, and he was averaging more stops per game in 2024 than in those campaigns.
Brisker missed two games in both of his first two seasons with the Bears before missing 12 in 2024.
Jaquan Brisker’s Durability Challenge Starts in Training Camp
Brisker, who turns 26 on April 20, has missed considerable time in camp, including last summer. Allen noted that and said he spoke with the talented safety recently before they begin their journey together next season.
“He’s missed a lot of time in terms of developmental time in training camp. That’s when you get your most development as a player. And so I had a discussion with him yesterday. And told him that the most important thing for him to do is be available. And if he’s available and willing to do the things that we’re going to ask him to do, then we can help him be the best version of himself as a safety and as a player for the Bears.
“I know that this is an important year for him.”
Opponents went from averaging 174 passing yards and 121 rushing yards per game against the Bears with Brisker in the lineup to 236 YPG through the air and 146 YPG on the ground.
Some of that is due to sample size and their schedule getting more difficult throughout the season. Still, Brisker’s absence was notable and stood out amid teammate Roschon Johnson’s decision to return from his concussion, notably while wearing the guardian cap.
Jaquan Brisker Could Be In Line for Decent Payday
Brisker is in the final year of a four-year, $7.3 million rookie scale contract. The Bears have $8.9 million in cap space left after free agency and before the draft, per Over The Cap.
They have already paid Gordon (three years, $40 million) and fellow cornerback Jaylon Johnson (four years, $76 million), as well as linebacker T.J. Edwards, who officially signed his two-year, $20 million extension this week.
Safety Kevin Byard is also in the final year of his two-year, $15 million deal.
Where all of that leaves Brisker remains to be seen. But it sounds like much of that decision-making will be in Brisker’s control.