The Chicago Bears inked cornerback Kyler Gordon to a three-year, $40 million contract that includes $31.2 million in guaranteed money and makes him the highest-paid nickelback in the NFL. Gordon and fellow 2022 NFL draft mate Jaquan Brisker have become vital contributors.
Brisker took note of his teammate’s financial windfall, sharing a message hyping up the player affectionately known in the Bears locker room as “Kyler-Man.”
“My bruvaaaaaaa! Ayeeee” Brisker posted on X on April 13. “Well-deserved.”
Bears S Jaquan Brisker Celebrates Kyler Gordon’s Contract Extension
Jaquan Brisker’s Health Biggest Red Flag for Bears
The Bears selected Brisker and Gordon nine picks apart, and the duo’s presence can be felt on gamedays when they are on the field. That is what makes Brisker’s reaction most noteworthy ahead of the 2025 season. It is tracking to be Brisker’s final year under contract.
He is coming off a five-game season in 2024 due to a concussion and the lingering aftereffects. Brisker has said he is fully healthy.
The Bears have a history of rewarding their homegrown talent, with Gordon joining fellow former second-round picks Cole Kmet and Jaylon Johnson in receiving just rewards. They have even paid veteran trade additions DJ Moore, Jonah Jackson, and Montez Sweat.
Availability is the biggest thing working against Brisker, who had missed four games – two in each season – before 2024.
Brisker recorded 100-plus tackles in each of his first two seasons.
He was on track for a career-high, averaging 8.0 per game before suffering his concussion against the Carolina Panthers. Brisker has also recorded 1 interception every season since he entered the league.
The former Penn State Nittany Lion has 13 pass deflections, 6.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 recoveries in his NFL career.
Several Bears Remain in Contract Limbo
Brisker is but one of several Bears players in he final year of their contract in 2025. The list includes Andrew Billings, Braxton Jones, Joe Thuney, Kevin Byard – who shared a post with the news of Gordon’s new deal – and T.J. Edwards.
Over The Cap projected the Bears’ cap space at $9 million before factoring in Gordon’s new deal.
The Bears have benefitted from a plethora of cap space in recent offseasons. How Bears general manager Ryan Poles navigates the changing landscape and increasing payroll will be key. It will get even more challenging if Caleb Williams proves worthy of a second contract, though the Bears would surely gladly endure that outcome.
The Bears still have the 2025 NFL Draft to add more talent to the roster. They hold seven selections as of April 13, with three in the top 50 selections and a fourth within the top 75.
