The 2025 season is a pivotal one for the Chicago Bears, with several players facing make-or-break years. Among them is safety Jaquan Brisker, who enters the final year of his rookie contract with immense pressure to perform. After showing flashes of brilliance early in his career, Brisker must now prove he can be a consistent, game-changing force in the secondary.
Brisker’s Career So Far: High Expectations, Inconsistent Results
Drafted in the second round (48th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Penn State, Brisker was viewed as an immediate starter and a potential long-term leader in the Bears’ secondary. His physicality, instincts, and versatility made him an ideal fit for Chicago’s defense.
2022: A Promising Rookie Season
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Started 15 games, recording 104 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception, and 5 pass breakups.
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Showed elite run-stopping ability and was a tone-setter in the box.
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Struggled at times in deep coverage but displayed the potential to develop into a complete safety.
2023: A Step Back Due to Injuries
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Missed four games with various ailments (concussion, shoulder).
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Production dipped: 78 tackles, 1 INT, 3 PBUs.
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Looked less explosive in run support and was occasionally exposed in man coverage.
2024: A Bounce-Back Year, But Still Room for Growth
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Played all 17 games, tallying 92 tackles, 2 INTs, 6 PBUs, and 1 forced fumble.
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Improved in zone coverage but still had lapses in deep safety responsibilities.
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Remained a strong tackler but didn’t take the leap many expected.
Now, in 2025, Brisker faces a critical juncture. With free agency looming, he must prove he’s worth a lucrative extension—or risk being replaced.
Why 2025 Is a Prove-It Year for Brisker
1. Contract Year: Playing for His Future
Brisker is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season unless the Bears extend him. The safety market has exploded in recent years, with top-tier players like Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Antoine Winfield Jr. resetting the market.
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A strong 2025 could earn Brisker a deal in the $12M–$15M per year range.
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A mediocre or injury-plagued season could see him settle for a short-term “prove-it” deal elsewhere.
The Bears have shown they’re willing to move on from homegrown talent if they don’t see long-term value (see: Roquan Smith, David Montgomery). Brisker must ensure he’s not next.
2. The Bears’ Defense Is Stacked—He Can’t Afford to Be the Weak Link
Chicago’s defense is loaded with young talent:
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Montez Sweat (EDGE) – Coming off a career year.
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Gervon Dexter (DT) – Emerging as a force inside.
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Kyler Gordon (CB) – Developing into a lockdown nickel.
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Tyrique Stevenson (CB) – A rising star on the boundary.
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T.J. Edwards & Tremaine Edmunds (LB) – Reliable veterans.
If Brisker struggles, the Bears could easily pivot to a cheaper or more reliable option in 2026.
3. He Must Prove He’s More Than Just a Box Safety
Brisker’s biggest strength is his physicality near the line of scrimmage. He’s one of the best run-defending safeties in the league, but his coverage skills remain inconsistent.
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Man Coverage: Struggles against elite tight ends and quicker slot receivers.
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Deep Zone: Occasionally takes poor angles, leading to big plays.
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Ball Production: Only 3 career INTs in three seasons—needs more impact plays.
If he can improve in coverage, he becomes a Pro Bowl-caliber safety. If not, he may be viewed as a replaceable piece.
What a Successful 2025 Season Looks Like for Brisker
For Brisker to secure his future in Chicago (or elsewhere), he needs:
80+ tackles, 3+ INTs, 8+ PBUs – Proving he’s a playmaker.
Improved coverage grades – Cutting down on big plays allowed.
Leadership in a playoff push – The Bears expect to contend; he must be a key piece.
If he delivers, he’ll be in line for a big payday. If he falters, the Bears may let him walk and look for an upgrade.
A Make-or-Break Year
Jaquan Brisker has all the tools to be a long-term staple in Chicago’s secondary. But with free agency approaching and the Bears’ defense on the rise, 2025 is his chance to prove he’s a cornerstone—not just a stopgap.
If he takes the next step, he’ll be rewarded handsomely. If not, he could find himself fighting for a starting job elsewhere in 2026.
Grade for 2025 Pressure Level: 8.5/10 – One of the highest-stakes seasons of his career.
Up Next in the Series: #8
Which Bear has even more to prove than Brisker? Stay tuned for the next installment.
What do you think? Should the Bears extend Brisker, or is 2025 his last chance? Let us know in the comments! #Bears #NFL #JaquanBrisker
