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The Chicago Bears have a problem that not enough people are talking about

Vaseline November 3, 2024

Excitement is building for the Chicago Bears as they continue to stay in the playoff conversation at 4-2. There are also a number of winnable matches in the pipeline, offering a chance to build momentum before the big divisional showdowns in November and December. Confidence is high. That’s largely due to the continued excellent play of their defense. A core part of that is the secondary, headlined by Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Unfortunately, this formula will face a problem in the not so distant future.

Byard will turn 32 next year, making his status with the team uncertain. Brisker, meanwhile, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Normally that wouldn’t be a problem. Just extend it, right? Kyler Gordon also needs a new deal. The Bears have already invested a lot of money in Jaylon Johnson, Montez Sweat and Tremaine Edmunds. They can’t pay everyone. Brisker is also developing a reputation for concussions. He still hasn’t returned from his most recent game against Carolina two weeks ago.

This could explain why team scouts have been showing up at games in recent weeks with the top safety prospects for 2025.

NFL scouts are expected from the Bears and Browns for the #Hawkeyesgame against Northwestern.

— John Steppe (@JSteppe1) October 26, 2024

Some of the interesting people in the Penn State press box include scouts from the Bears, Jets and Broncos, not to mention the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) October 5, 2024

The Chicago Bears are in a tough spot.

Building from within is something GM Ryan Poles has longed for since he took over. There’s no doubt he would like nothing more than to extend Brisker and Gordon. Technically you can, but pouring that much money into the secondary isn’t always the best thing to do, especially if the two guys you want to keep have injury issues. Gordon has also been unhealthy at times over the past three seasons. If forced to make a choice, holding on to the nickel cornerback (Gordon) fits Matt Eberflus’ thinking.

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That means the Chicago Bears will have to start thinking about life outside of Brisker. It sucks, but this is the harsh reality of the modern NFL. You can’t keep everyone. It appears the class of 2025 will have a strong crop of safeties, led by Georgia’s Malaki Starks and Kevin Winston Jr. from Penn State. Both fit the team’s preferred dimensions: big, strong, athletic and great instincts. Don’t be surprised if Chicago goes for sure early next spring, sending a clear signal that changes are coming.