As the dust settles on what was a gut-wrenching playoff exit, the Chicago Bears are shifting into offseason mode. The pads are off, the locker room is being emptied, and conversations are turning from game plans to roster construction. And while the sting of that postseason loss still lingers, there’s a growing sense of optimism in Chicago - not just because of how far this team has come, but because of how much further it can still go.
But progress in the NFL often comes with tough decisions. As the Bears look to level up, some familiar faces may be heading out the door. Let’s break down a handful of veterans who are likely to have played their final snap in a Bears uniform - and why their time in Chicago may be coming to an end.
Jaquan Brisker, S - A Price Tag Too High?
Jaquan Brisker ended his season on a high note - and not just any high note. His performance against the Rams was arguably the best of his career. He was everywhere on the field, flying to the ball, making plays in coverage, and showing the kind of impact that makes front offices take notice.
That game might’ve earned him a big payday. The challenge for the Bears? Deciding whether he’s worth it.
With both Brisker and veteran Kevin Byard hitting free agency, Chicago has a decision to make at safety. Byard, despite turning 33 in August, still brings leadership and consistency - and likely at a lower price point.
Brisker’s been a rollercoaster: electric at times, inconsistent at others. Betting big on him long-term might not be in the cards for a team looking to stabilize its secondary.
Braxton Jones, OT - The Writing Was on the Wall
If there was any question about where Braxton Jones stands with this coaching staff, the playoff game against the Rams gave us a pretty clear answer. He was healthy.
He was available. But he didn’t start.
Instead, Joe Thuney slid over to tackle after Ozzy Trapilo went down, and that move spoke volumes. The Bears see Trapilo as their future at the position, and Jones - once a promising starter - appears to be the odd man out.
Injuries didn’t help his case, but availability wasn’t the only issue. The Bears have made their choice, and it’s time for Jones to look for a new opportunity elsewhere.
Andrew Billings, DT - A Steep Decline
Few players on this roster saw their stock drop as sharply as Andrew Billings did in 2025. Once a dependable run-stuffer who could occasionally collapse the pocket, Billings struggled mightily this past season. The tape doesn’t lie - he got pushed around far too often, and his impact up front was minimal.
At this stage, it’s clear he’s no longer the player he once was. The Bears need to get younger, faster, and more disruptive on the defensive line. That likely means moving on from Billings and investing in fresh legs to anchor the interior.
Olamide Zaccheaus, WR - Drops, Drops, and More Drops
Let’s be honest - Bears fans didn’t need the stat sheet to know Olamide Zaccheaus had trouble hanging onto the football. Officially, he was credited with six drops, but it felt like more. And in an offense that was already trying to find its rhythm, those missed opportunities were costly.
Once rookie Luther Burden III started seeing more snaps, Zaccheaus’ role shrank quickly. The Bears are clearly leaning into their young core at wide receiver, and Zaccheaus looks like a cap casualty waiting to happen.
Nick McCloud, CB - Depth That Didn’t Deliver
Injuries at slot corner forced the Bears to dig deep into their depth chart, and Nick McCloud was one of the names called upon. Unfortunately, his time on the field didn’t inspire much confidence. He struggled in coverage and didn’t offer much in terms of physicality or playmaking.
As a third or fourth option at slot corner, McCloud was a stopgap at best. The Bears can find similar - or better - production from a late-round draft pick or undrafted rookie, and that’s probably the direction they’ll go.
Ryan Bates, C/G - A Gamble That Didn’t Pay Off
When the Bears needed help at guard in their playoff matchup against the Rams, Ryan Bates didn’t even get a look. Instead, they turned to Jordan McFadden - a clear sign that Bates had fallen out of favor.
He didn’t play a single snap to close out the season, and it’s fair to say the experiment didn’t work. Bates was a calculated risk by GM Ryan Poles that just didn’t pan out. With the offensive line still a work in progress, Chicago will likely look to retool rather than recycle.
Staying Put: Swift, Moore, and Kmet
While we’re talking roster moves, let’s address a few names fans might be worried about: D’Andre Swift, DJ Moore, and Cole Kmet.
Don’t expect any of them to go anywhere.
Swift looked rejuvenated this season - the most explosive version of himself we’ve seen in the NFL. Moore stepped up late in the year, especially when Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III were banged up.
And Kmet? He remained a key piece in 12 personnel packages, giving the Bears flexibility in both the run and pass game.
Yes, the Bears could save some cap space by moving one of them, but the value they bring - both on the field and in the locker room - makes them tough to part with. This trio is part of the foundation, not the trade block.
Looking Ahead
The Bears are entering one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. They’ve got momentum, a young core, and a front office that’s shown it’s not afraid to make bold moves. But with that comes the need for clarity - and sometimes, that means saying goodbye to players who’ve been part of the journey.
Expect changes. Expect upgrades. And if the Bears get it right, expect them to be right back in the playoff mix - only this time, with eyes on a deeper run.