Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears: Jaquan Brisker comes in at #51 on NFL’s top 101 free agent list

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Robin Adams | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 9:40 PM ET

Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker has played out his rookie contract and is set to be a free agent for the first time in his NFL career. He is hitting the market at the right time, too, as he is coming off the best season of his career. After playing in just five games in 2024, Brisker was able to play a full 17 games (plus playoffs) in 2025.

Unfortunately for the Bears, the team is in a tight spot in terms of its 2026 salary cap. As such, they are going to have to release and restructure various players, and still they will have to be cautious with how they approach free agency.

This means that Brisker may have played his final game in a Chicago uniform.

Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker is ranked the 51st best NFL free agent

Nov 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) reacts after the Philadelphia Eagles were unable to complete a two-point conversion during the fourth quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

In 2025, Brisker had one interceptions, eight passes defended, 93 tackles, and a sack. However, opposing quarterbacks had a 127.6 passer rating when targeting him, which was by far the worst mark of his career.

As he hits free agency, there are any number of teams that could be interest in the hard-hitting safety. However, his propensity to get lost in coverage at times has led him to be ranked in right in the middle of NFL.com‘s top 101 free agents list.

He came in at number 51 with the following explanation:

“If not for his history of concussions, Brisker would be ranked much higher on this list. He fulfilled his 1980s-style enforcer potential last season.”

As one can see, Brisker’s history of concussions is another reason why he is ranked lower on the list than what otherwise may be expected. He had three documented concussions in his first three seasons in the NFL.

That being said, he was, as mentioned, able to play all 17 games in 2025. If he is able to avoid further head injuries and is in a defensive system that is less prone to giving up big plays, he could be a steal for any team on the free agent market.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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