The Chicago Bears’ season just came to an end, but they’ll have a lot of decisions to make in fairly short order.
That’s because the new NFL league year will get underway in mid-March, and the Bears will have some decisions to make to maximize their salary cap space ahead of the opening of free agency.
Ahead of the March 11 start of the new league year, here are some of the biggest free agents that the Bears will have to decide whether or not to bring back next season.
Unrestricted Free Agents
Defensive Lineman Andrew Billings
Billings, who made $4 million during the 2025 season, appeared in all 17 regular-season games for the Bears, with one sack and 31 combined tackles, including six tackles for loss, his highest total since the 2018 campaign.
Billings will turn 31 in early March, but the Bears will have to make some big decisions on their defensive line ahead of free agency, and he’s one of those guys.
Safety Jaquan Brisker
Brisker’s rookie contract expires after this season, and the Bears will definitely have to pony up a raise from the $1.84 million he was earning in 2025.
That’s because Brisker has showcased his ability both in pass defense, with eight defended passes in 17 games, and also on the pass rush, as he was a terror during the postseason in Dennis Allen’s defense.
He was limited to just five games in 2024, but odds are the Bears will look at him as a potential longer-term option at safety, and they could look to save money elsewhere to retain him.
Safety Kevin Byard
Speaking of safeties that will force the Bears to make tough decisions, Byard’s status as a team leader and a strong player on the field will definitely leave Ryan Poles asking some serious questions.
A team captain for the Bears, Byard was named an AP First-Team All-Pro this season for the third time in his career, with 93 combined tackles, eight passes defended and four tackles for loss in 17 games. He also intercepted seven passes in the regular season, leading the NFL in that category.
He will turn 33 years old before the upcoming season, but his veteran leadership and rapport with his teammates will surely come into play as the Bears decide whether to keep him.
Wide Receiver/Kick Returner Devin Duvernay
Duvernay wasn’t used a lot in the passing game this season, but he was a weapon on kick returns, averaging 26.7 yards per kick return this season. His season-high game against the Minnesota Vikings as he returned a kick 56 yards to set up a game-winning field goal for the Bears.
Offensive Tackle Braxton Jones
Jones has had some injury issues in recent seasons, and only appeared in six regular season games for the Bears during the 2025 campaign.
The big question for the Bears will be whether or not Jones fits in as a reserve lineman, as the team will likely not be using him in a starting capacity.
Cornerback Nahshon Wright
Wright exploded onto the scene for the bears this season, with 11 passes defended, three forced fumbles and five interceptions for Chicago in 17 games.
His versatility as a cornerback and his ability generate turnovers will certainly spark interest among NFL teams, and he could be another player the team would have to shuffle salary around to retain.
Wide Receiver Olamide Zaccheaus
After being acquired by the Bears prior to the season, Zaccheaus registered 39 receptions for 313 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games.
The Bears do have plenty of wide receiver talent, but with decisions looming on whether to retain DJ Moore in the offseason, they may view Zaccheaus as a good depth piece.
Exclusive Rights Free Agents:
Offensive Lineman Theo Benedet
The Bears will have exclusive negotiating rights with Benedet if they offer him a league minimum contract, so he could be a depth piece for the coming season, able to fill in at multiple positions.
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