Predicting the fates of Bears free agents in 2026
· Yahoo Sports
The Chicago Bears are in the middle of a busy offseason that kicked off with the sudden retirement of center Drew Dalman, trading wide receiver DJ Moore, and releasing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. But there's still plenty of important work for general manager Ryan Poles to improve the roster this offseason.
Free agency is just days, which means Poles and head coach Ben Johnson are preparing themselves for what could be several moves as they look to fill voids across their starting roster. The three moves that took place last week have opened up plenty more cap space, as well as the trade for center Garrett Bradbury, giving them just around over $36 million heading into free agency.
Visit extract-html.com for more information.
With that in mind, we’re predicting whether these notable Bears free agents will be back with the team or departing in free agency.
S Kevin Byard: STAY
Kevin Byard is the undoubted top free agent on the Bears roster that should be the biggest priority to bring back for this front office. Byard was a team captain who earned First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods last season, and he led the NFL with seven interceptions in the 2025 season. Chicago is facing the possibility of losing both of their starting safeties this offseason, bringing Byard back would make sense on the field and in the locker room.
S Jaquan Brisker: GO
After bouncing back in 2025 to play a full season after missing most of 2024 with a concussion, Jaquan Brisker has performed well enough to command a big contract on the open market. A young and hard-hitting safety who plays with intensity and passion that's hard to match, Brisker would be a joy to bring back to the Bears. But if they're going to lose him or Byard, they should let the younger one test the open market.
CB Nahshon Wright: GO
Nahshon Wright was an incredible story for the Bears and the NFL this season, having a career year that landed him his first Pro Bowl selection, but skipped over for a deserving All-Pro selection, Wright deserves his next big moment. After playing on a one-year, $1.1 million deal last season, Wright is going to find himself a big-money, long-term contract this offseason, and it is unfortunate that the Bears are likely going to be out of the market on a player who boosted their defense tremendously.
NCB C.J. Gardner-Johnson: STAY
A veteran who was brought in during the season to help with Chicago's injuries in the secondary, C.J. Gardner-Johnson was quite the fun addition and plays with an edge that fits well in Dennis Allen's defense. A former player of Allen's during their time in New Orleans, Gardner-Johnson could help bring veteran leadership, mentorship, and depth to a secondary that is likely to see several changes this offseason.
LB D'Marco Jackson: STAY
D'Marco Jackson was brought in as a player who knew Dennis Allen's system and played very well when there were injuries to the Chicago linebacker core during the season. The veteran had a career-best season in Chicago and even if they decide to bring in other linebackers, they should consider retaining Jackson for depth purposes.
OT Braxton Jones: GO
Even with the left tackle issues for Chicago as they head into free agency, there seems to be little to no reason why they should bring back Braxton Jones next year. He lost his job to Theo Benedet during the 2025 season, and both were outmatched by rookie Ozzy Trapilo in the middle of the season. Jones is a veteran left tackle, which means he'll have suitors on the open market, but he fell out Chicago's rotation for a reason, so he should find work elsewhere next season. Since they recently agreed to a deal with Benedet on a one-year contract, Jones is likely out of the picture regardless.
Case Keenum: STAY
There have been rumors about teams having interest in Chicago's backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, so it would make sense to bring back the veteran Case Keenum if Bagent is moved. If Bagent is not traded, Keenum could have other options on the open market, but having a veteran voice on the bench for Caleb Williams was valuable last season and that would remain the case next year.
Daniel Hardy: GO
Daniel Hardy is a versatile defensive lineman that just never broke through with the Bears, so he should be free to test the market. He's a restricted free agent, but Chicago should let him walk. Hardy brings back a feeling familiar to Roy Robertson-Harris, another defensive lineman who found a home with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and then bounced around with the Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants. Hardy contributes on special teams, which would help his options around the league and he's likely able to find a decent contract elsewhere.
Jonathan Owens: STAY
This is not just because of keeping one of the NFL's best couples in Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles in Chicago, but it's due to the depth concerns that the Bears are facing at the safety position. Owens played well in limited opportunities, but the Bears would benefit in keeping his versatility on their roster as he contributes both on defense and special teams, and is a beloved member of the fanbase.
Other unrestricted free agents:
- EDGE Joe Tryon: GO
- C Ryan Bates: GO
- Andrew Billings: STAY
- Chris Williams: GO
- Amen Ogbongbemiga: STAY
- Durham Smythe: STAY
- Travis Homer: GO
- Olamide Zaccheaus: GO
- Nick McCloud: GO
- Jaylon Jones: GO
- Devin Duvernay: STAY
- Scott Daly: STAY
- Dominique Robinson: GO
- Elijah Hicks: STAY
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin: GO
Restricted free agents:
- Jordan McFadden: STAY
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL free agency: Predicting fates of Bears free agents in 2026