Uncertainty Plagues Bears’ Position Group, But There’s a Solution

The Chicago Bears’ safety room is quietly becoming one of the more volatile areas of the roster. While the headlines this offseason have revolved around the offensive overhaul and the arrival of head coach Ben Johnson, the defense’s last line faces growing uncertainty.

Uncertain Futures Surrounding Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard

GettyChicago Bears safety Kevin Byard #31.

Starters Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard are both entering the final years of their contracts. Though Brisker has been a playmaker since being drafted in 2022, and Byard brings veteran leadership and an All-Pro pedigree, their futures in Chicago are far from guaranteed. With Brisker’s history of concussions and Byard getting up there in age, it’s not clear whether the Bears’ new coaching staff and GM Ryan Poles want to give either player an extension or move on.

There’s also no clear succession plan either. The Bears have depth, but no defined long-term answers. Can the team count on the two starters beyond 2025? Or do they begin developing potential replacements now?

One speculative idea raised by The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain involves third-year cornerback Terell Smith, who impressed in limited snaps. A reader asked Fishbain if the Bears might consider moving Smith to safety, especially if Tyrique Stevenson or fifth-round draft pick Zah Frazier break out at cornerback. While Fishbain noted that Smith has never played safety and cautioned against assuming he can make a smooth transition, he did acknowledge the positional depth and looming contract decisions at safety.

“You’re right, John, that the Bears have some questions at safety in the future with both starters on expiring contracts and no one necessarily waiting in the wings. I’m always hesitant, however, to suggest a position change. Smith probably has the instincts to play safety, but it’s not a position he’s played in his football career — unless he did it before high school. Interestingly, when looking at Dane Brugler’s 2023 scouting report of Smith, he writes, ‘he has an intriguing blend of length, speed and physicality to match up with NFL receivers on the outside. He is a physical press-man corner prospect.’ That would seemingly line up well with Allen’s defense.”

Smith might not be the right option to switch to corner as Fishbain mentioned, but defensive coordinator Dennis Allen himself sees potential in another Bears cornerback.

Dennis Allen Envisions Kyler Gordon Playing Multiple Positions

While Smith’s potential position switch remains speculative, another solution appears more actionable: unlocking the versatility of Kyler Gordon. The former second-round pick has steadily developed into one of the Bears’ most dependable defenders, excelling in the slot while showing flashes of physicality and anticipation in run support. Allen seems to believe Gordon is capable of even more, and safety could be part of his future.

“Some of the things that I see him do and the way that he fits in the run game tells me he could be a fit with safety also. We’ve had guys that have had the flexibility to play a lot of different positions,” Allen said. “That’s something that I think he can do. As we get to know him better, spend more time with him, start to get out on the field with him a little bit more, we’ll have a better feel for where that second position might be, and where we want to try to work him.”

Gordon’s performance in 2024 supports Allen’s ambition. He notched a career-high 75 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits while earning a 76.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking him 20th out of 222 qualified cornerbacks. Despite that success, Gordon played just 77.5% of the team’s defensive snaps, the lowest mark of his three-year career.

On a personal note, it could be a mistake to have Gordon play multiple positions. He was one of the most dominant slot cornerbacks in the NFL last season, and he should stick at slot CB where he’s blossomed in recent years.

If anything, the Bears should look to address this issue in one of two ways. Bring in a young and experienced safety like free agent Julian Blackmon, who’s just 26 years old and notched 62 career starts with versatility to play both safety spots. Or, look to draft a safety early in next year’s draft and try to re-sign Brisker and/or Byard.