Bears fans won't like update on their top unrestricted free agents

The Chicago Bears had a successful 2025 season, making the playoffs, winning the NFC North, winning a playoff game, and going to the wire with the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional round.

Year one with Ben Johnson went great. But now, the Bears have a lot of difficult decisions to make with their 10 unrestricted free agents. And when it comes to their top ones, like Nahshon Wright, Jaquan Brisker, and Kevin Byard III, there is some mixed messaging.

According to Dan Wiederer of The Athletic, the free agent update on these 10 players won't be the update fans were hoping to hear. Ryan Poles and company don't look poised to re-sign many of these free agents, especially the top names.

Bears fans won't like update on top free agents

Regarding Byard, Wiederer shared that Poles said retaining him "will be a challenge," indicating Byard might not return to the Bears in 2026. But that's not all the bad news for Bears fans.

"In a crowded secondary that includes Johnsn, Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson, it may prove difficult to keep Wright on a practical deal," Wiederer writes.

Wright doesn't look to be a lock to return, thanks to the cornerback depth with Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson.

Wiederer pointed out Jaquan Brisker's "concussion issues" as something to focus on heading into free agency, which doesn't exactly bode well for the Bears to re-sign him this offseason.

Regarding C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Wieder writes, "it would not be a shock if the veteran defensive back was left to join his seventh team when the spring arrives."

More: Analyst reveals why Bears' biggest need is not safety this offseason

All four of the Bears' defensive backs hitting free agency don't look likely to return this offseason. While the Bears will have ways to replace them, either in free agency, trades, or the draft, it doesn't take away that the loss of these players would sting.

But those four DBs aren't the only ones who could be on their way out. Wiederer also noted he wouldn't be surprised if Braxton Jones, Andrew Billings, and Case Keenum all left the team this offseason.

Of the 10 unrestricted free agents for the Bears, only tight end Durham Smythe and DE Daniel Hardy were indicated as likely players to re-sign with the Bears this offseason. Linebacker D'Marco Jackson is a question mark and has an uncertain future as well.

Overall, the Bears might be letting more than half of their unrestricted free agents leave this offseason, headlined by the four key defensive backs all set to hit the open market.

More Bears news:

• Bears' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space going into offseason
• Bears get good news on free agent Nahshon Wright amid $16.6M contract projection
• Declan Doyle rumor reveals why ex-Bears OC left for Ravens and it's bad look for Eagles
• Bears get exciting offseason rumor on Maxx Crosby, Trey Hendrickson
• Bears left tackle spot in jeopardy amid uncertain Ozzy Trapilo future in NFL
• Bears insider reveals two things Caleb Williams needs to improve upon this offseason
• Bears give All-Pro safety Kevin Byard team award for 2025 season