CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 29: Jaquan Brisker #9 of the Chicago Bears celebrates during an NFL football … More
With the NFL draft less than a month away, it’s imperative for the Bears they get good readings on the recoveries and long-term prognoses of safety Jaquan Brisker and defensive tackle Andrew Billings.
The defense that started so well last season collapsed when Billings joined Brisker on the sidelines. The Bears allowed an average of 25.1 points in the last 10 games after only 17 in the first seven, and both Brisker and Billings had been playing very well.
Billings, who was lost for the season with a torn pectoral muscle in a loss at Arizona on Nov. 3, was graded 43rd among 118 interior defense qualifiers by Pro Football Focus, no surprise given his play since joining Chicago in 2023. Brisker, who suffered a season-ending concussion in a Soldier Field victory over Carolina on Oct. 6. ranked 71st among 171 safeties overall.
While Brisker will play next season at age 26, his situation is far trickier than what the 30-year-old Billings faces. He has had recurring issues with concussions, missing a total of 16 games in three seasons, including at least two per season.
Despite that history, Brisker still is the likely starter at strong safety, with Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Hicks as backups counted on for special teams. He recently issued an encouraging post on social media, vowing to return strong next season.
“I promise to come back better than ever!’’ Brisker wrote on Instagram. “Your unwavering support means everything to me in these challenging times. From the heart, I appreciate each and every one of my fans, your prayers, and your messages. We didn’t finish strong, and I say it’s all my fault … I wish I could have fought alongside my team to win — that’s my true passion and purpose. I will rise from this and come back and take what’s mine! Year 4 will be special; it will be a testament to our strength and resilience.”
The Bears seem likely to draft at least one safety. Free safety Kevin Byard, signed to a two-year, $15-million contract a year ago, will play next season at age 32.
But if Brisker is healthy, he and Byard could give new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen a lot of options. Byard was graded fourth among qualifiers by PFF with an 83.0 pass rush grade, and Brisker ranked 21st among the 171 safeties with a 70.3 pass-rush grade. Allen could use them to dial up a creative series of blitz packages.
Bears General Manager Ryan Poles used his second ever draft pick on Brisker, selecting him nine picks after cornerback Kyler Gordon in 2022. Brisker carries a cap hit of about $3.9 million this year, after which he’ll be a free agent.
Billings is also in the last year of his contract, having signed a two-year, $8-million extension with the Bears before last season. He seems set to play his role in an interior line rotation with free agent Grady Jarrett and third-year tackle Gervon Dexter Sr., a second-round pick in 2023. All three of them received top-45 grades from PFF last season, with Billings’ 78.6 pass-rushing grade ranking 11th.
In an interview at the Super Bowl, Billings told Front Office Sports his rehab has “been a breeze” and that he expects to participate in OTAs before hopefully being fully cleared for training camp. His health in 2025 will likely determine if he is kept in the mix with Jarrett (three-year, $43.5 million deal in March) and Dexter beyond next season.
The Bears hold seven picks in April’s draft, including the 10th overall and four of the first 72. They addressed the offensive line, their biggest position of need, by adding veterans Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman in trades and free agency and seem free to go in any direction with the 10th pick.
Poles could add to new head coach Ben Johnson’s options if Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty or Penn State tight end Tyler Warren is available. But he’ll probably want to reinforce the stable of safeties with one of his two second-round picks, even if Brisker is optimistic about his availability.
