Ranking Bears' top 5 free agents by importance

The Chicago Bears have several decisions to make this offseason, most of which will have a direct impact on how their defense looks in the 2026 season.

For all the thrills (and chills) that quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears offense delivered en route to the NFC North division title, the defense left plenty to be desired, although they lead the league in takeaways. The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks proved the importance of a stout defense, and while defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s unit created plenty of highlights, they gave up plenty of yards and points in the process.

Chicago’s defense, more than their offense, is expected to look much different when the 2026 season begins, mainly based on their free agents. Here’s our breakdown of the most important pending free agents who could depart the Bears this offseason:

5. Braxton Jones, LT

Former fifth-round pick Braxton Jones could find more value for himself on the open market, but there’s also a strong likelihood that Chicago re-signs him. The Bears need to address their left tackle position, with general manager Ryan Poles saying Ozzy Trapilo will miss most of next season. Bringing back Jones would bring familiarity in the locker room but could also leave plenty of trouble at the left tackle position as well. Offensive line coach Dan Roushar was very candid about his feelings on Chicago’s left tackle spot, bringing plenty of urgency to fill the void this offseason.

4. D’Marco Jackson, LB

Rumors began last week at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Bears are allowing veteran Tremaine Edmunds to test the trade market, and that brings D’Marco Jackson into an area of importance at the linebacker position. Last offseason, Chicago allowed linebacker Jack Sanborn to depart in free agency, and they shouldn’t allow that to happen again this year given Jackson’s play and understanding of Dennis Allen’s defense. While both Edmunds and T.J. Edwards missing time this season due to injuries, Jackson had the best season of his career and would provide excellent depth for the Bears linebacker position.

3. Nahshon Wright, CB

This may come down to the feelings Nahshon Wright has about the coaching staff and Bears organization as much as it will come down to his expected contract. After leading the league in takeaways last year, Wright had a career year that was far from expected. There is always a need for top playmakers in the defensive secondary, so the Pro Bowler may be in high-demand on the open market. But he could have also played his way into a starting role opposite Jaylon Johnson in Chicago. If Wright feels that reuniting with secondary coach Al Harris was the key to unlocking his full potential, maybe there could be a friendly deal on both sides. But if he gets too pricey, the Bears will have to let him walk.

2. Jaquan Brisker, S

For as valuable as the other names on the list were in the 2025 season, Jaquan Brisker has been the heartbeat of the Bears defense, even while battling through injuries. Having suffered multiple concussions since entering the league, Brisker has question marks about his long-term availability, but he answered those emphatically in 2025, playing in all 17 games in a season for the first time in his career. Brisker’s hard-hitting play style and tenacity on defense would make any defensive coordinator happy. But the questions may come down to how other teams in the league feel his health will hold up.

1. Kevin Byard, S

An ultimate professional, Kevin Byard holds the keys to Chicago’s offseason and where the front office will go in both free agency and the draft. In his two seasons with the Bears, Byard has taken on a veteran mentor and leadership role while also producing at the highest level, including his 93 tackles and league-best seven interceptions last season. Byard feels more likely than Brisker to return to Chicago — and Poles has indicated as much — given age and history with the franchise. But Byard also proved he’s still able to compete at the highest level, and similar to Brisker, will have no shortage of options. The biggest difference between the veteran and the younger Brisker, the availability and health concerns, which Byard has not had issue with, playing in every game since joining the organization in 2024.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ranking Bears’ top 5 free agents by importance

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