Bears' Secondary Faces Crucial Offseason as Defensive Holes Loom Large
The Chicago Bears took a major step forward in 2025, but one glaring issue still loomed large over their playoff push: the defense, particularly the secondary, gave up yards in bunches. Despite leading the NFL with 33 takeaways-a stat that speaks to their opportunistic nature-the Bears still finished 29th in total defense, surrendering 361.8 yards per game. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team with championship aspirations.
Now, with a pivotal offseason ahead, Chicago’s secondary could look drastically different in 2026. Four key defensive backs are set to hit free agency, and the Bears front office has some tough decisions to make.
Turnovers Can’t Mask the Underlying Issues
Let’s be clear: the Bears made plays on defense in 2025. They were ballhawks, plain and simple.
But takeaways alone don’t win championships. The deeper numbers tell the story-Chicago ranked 29th in yards per carry allowed and 28th in net yards per pass attempt allowed.
For all the splash plays, they struggled to consistently get stops.
That’s why this offseason is so critical. The Bears can’t afford to assume their defense will continue to generate turnovers at the same rate. That kind of production is notoriously difficult to replicate year over year, especially if the personnel changes.
And that’s the concern. Safety Kevin Byard III, cornerback Nashon Wright, and safety Jaquan Brisker-three players who accounted for more than half of the team’s 23 interceptions-are all pending free agents.
If the Bears lose that trio without securing capable replacements, it’s a potential recipe for regression. The defense needs to improve at all three levels, and it starts with locking down the back end.
Byard Likely to Return, But Questions Remain
Of the three key free agents, Kevin Byard appears to be the most likely to return. General manager Ryan Poles has publicly expressed interest in bringing him back, which makes sense-Byard brings leadership, experience, and a nose for the football.
But beyond Byard, things get murky. Jaquan Brisker had an up-and-down 2025 season, showing flashes of playmaking ability but also lapses in coverage and consistency. The Bears have to decide whether he’s worth a second contract or if it’s time to look elsewhere.
Then there’s Nashon Wright, who had arguably his best season as a pro. The issue?
He might have priced himself out of Chicago’s plans. With the market for quality corners always hot, the Bears could find themselves in a bidding war they’re not willing to enter.
Looking Ahead: Options and Youth Movement
One name that could resurface is C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
He brings versatility, swagger, and familiarity with the system. He’d also come at a lower cost than Wright or Brisker.
But while Gardner-Johnson could be a short-term solution, Chicago’s long-term plan is to get younger in the secondary. That means drafting well, developing talent, and avoiding stopgap fixes that don’t move the needle.
Last season, the Bears ranked 22nd in pass defense, allowing 227.2 yards per game. That’s simply not good enough-not in a league where elite quarterbacks will pick apart any weakness on the back end.
If Chicago is serious about making its first Super Bowl appearance in more than four decades, this secondary has to be more than just opportunistic. It has to be reliable, disciplined, and deep.
The Bottom Line
The Bears have the makings of a contender, but they can’t let their defensive identity hinge on turnovers alone. With several key pieces in the secondary potentially walking out the door, the front office has to act decisively. Re-signing Byard is a good start, but it won’t be enough on its own.
Whether it’s through free agency, the draft, or both, Chicago needs to rebuild its secondary with an eye on both immediate impact and long-term stability. Because if this defense doesn’t improve across the board, all the offensive firepower in the world won’t be enough to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the Windy City.