The Chicago Bears have a problem that not enough people are talking about

Tension is rising for the Chicago Bears as they move further into the playoff discussion at 4-2. They also have a number of winnable games ahead of them, providing an opportunity to build momentum ahead of big divisional showdowns in November and December. Trust is high. Much of this is due to the continued excellent play of their defense. A key part of that is the secondary, led by safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Unfortunately, this formula faces a problem in the not too distant future.

Byard will be 32 next year, making his status with the team uncertain. Brisker, meanwhile, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Normally that wouldn't be a problem. Just extend it, right? Well, Kyler Gordon needs a new deal too. The Bears have already invested a lot of money in Jaylon Johnson, Montez Sweat and Tremaine Edmunds. You can't pay everyone. Brisker is also developing a reputation for concussion issues. He's still not back from his last game against Carolina two weeks ago.

This could explain why team scouts have been showing up at games featuring top 2025 safety prospects in recent weeks.