The Chicago Bears are facing a pivotal offseason as they potentially lose significant talent in their secondary to free agency. With safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, along with cornerbacks C.J.
Gardner-Johnson and Nahshon Wright, all available for other teams to sign, the Bears have some tough decisions ahead. However, they might not need to re-sign any of these players to bolster their defense.
One intriguing option could be Jabrill Peppers. While Peppers didn't find his footing in Pittsburgh, playing just 100 snaps, his previous stint in New England from 2022 to 2024 showcased his versatility and skill.
During that period, he consistently delivered solid performances with a 75.0-plus PFF overall grade each season. The Bears could potentially secure Peppers on a short-term, prove-it deal, aiming to tap into that past production without a hefty financial commitment.
Peppers, a former first-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2017, has had an eventful career journey. He's moved through four teams since leaving the Browns in 2018, accumulating impressive stats: 527 tackles, 35 pass deflections, 30 tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hits, eight fumble recoveries, seven interceptions, six forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks, and one touchdown over 113 games.
Financially, Peppers presents an appealing option for the Bears. With an expected market value of $1.4 million per year, he would be a cost-effective choice and could step in as a Day 1 starter.
This is particularly crucial as the Bears enter the offseason $5 million over the cap, necessitating contract restructures and potential roster moves. General Manager Ryan Poles has expressed interest in retaining Byard, but Peppers could be a strategic replacement for Brisker.
In a challenging offseason, if the Bears can secure a starting-caliber safety like Peppers for under $2 million, it could be a smart move to strengthen their secondary without straining their budget.