March 10, 2026, 9:38 a.m. CT
The Chicago Bears addressed their safety need with the expected signing of Coby Bryant on the first day of the NFL’s free agency negotiation period.
Bryant is fresh off a Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks, where he played a key role in the defense’s dominance. While Chicago landed Bryant, is there any hope that the Bears could re-sign All-Pro Kevin Byard or Jaquan Brisker to pair with Bryant?
Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs shared his thoughts on the safety position following the expected signing of Bryant. While there might’ve been some hope that the Bears could bring back Byard, it doesn’t sound like that’s the case. If anything, Elijah Hicks returning as depth is the most likely scenario.
“I would have to believe the arrival of Coby Bryant makes it unlikely Kevin Byard would re-sign with the Bears. I think I’ve been pretty adamant all along that I don’t think there’s a future with the organization for Jaquan Brisker. I think they’re moving on there. I think the most likely scenario is they add some more players at the position. Elijah Hicks could come back, maybe they look for a low-budget backup, special teams guy. You’re hoping to find your next safety who can be here for while in the draft.”
Byard and Brisker are still available heading into the second day of the NFL’s free agency negotiation window, but they’re both expected to have a market. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like a reunion with Chicago is in the books. Meanwhile, the Bears will likely look to the 2026 NFL Draft to fill the starting job alongside Bryant.