Now that time has passed, what was a heartbreaker of a playoff loss, the Chicago Bears turn their attention to the offseason. Exit meetings and locker clean-outs, vacation plans and workout schedules, and all of the offseason priorities are taking place.
For the Bears and this fan base, things couldn't be more exciting as we look ahead. There is only one direction to go from here, and that's way up.
But which players will be part of the continued ascension? This roster could look drastically different in some areas next season. So, let's take a look at a few veterans who will very likely be finding new homes in the coming months.
Bears players who have likely played their final snap in Chicago
Jaquan Brisker, S
A polarizing player for many reasons, Jaquan Brisker ended his season with arguably the game of his career against the Rams. First and foremost, he played his way into a big contract. Teams will have that Rams game fresh in their minds, where he was absolutely everywhere, and he'll be in line for a nice chunk of change.
With Brisker and Kevin Byard both free agents, though, it makes sense to keep Byard around as a potentially-cheaper option and due to his veteran leadership. Byard will be 33 in August, and Brisker has been too up-and-down to bank on long-term.
Braxton Jones, OT
The Bears made their stance on Braxton Jones very clear in that playoff game against the Rams. He had returned from injury, but didn't get the nod. Joe Thuney moved over and took that spot in place of the injured Ozzy Trapilo.
Speaking of Trapilo, he's now the future at the position. Jones had his shot, and his time in Chicago is up.
Andrew Billings, DT
There may not have been a bigger year-over-year dip on this roster than Andrew Billings. His 2025 season was painful to watch. At one point, a massive run stuffer and an occasional force creating pressure, Billings was horrendous against the run last season. He is officially past his prime, and the Bears need to go all-in on fresh talent up front.
Olamide Zaccheaus, WR
There isn't much to say here that Bears fans don't already know. Olamide Zaccheaus was credited with six drops courtesy of PFF, but it felt like more. Once Luther Burden III took on more snaps, the writing was on the wall.
Nick McCloud, CB
With the injuries suffered at slot cornerback this year, the Bears had to see Nick McCloud on the field at times. And, in a word, he was bad. As a third or fourth slot corner, I guess that's what you get. But, Chicago can let him go and find a Day 3 pick or an undrafted free agent to take his place.
Ryan Bates, C/G
If you were wondering what else went into Jordan McFadden starting at guard for the playoff game against Los Angeles, it included Ryan Bates being denied a chance. Bates finished 2025 playing zero snaps and was a previous gamble that simply did not work out for Poles.
What about D'Andre Swift, DJ Moore and Cole Kmet?
For those wondering about other hot names, such as tight end Cole Kmet, running back D'Andre Swift, or wide receiver DJ Moore, I think this season told us everything we needed to know about them.
Read more: Ryan Poles may have cracked the door open on a DJ Moore trade
Johnson had a use for all three of them. Swift looked the best he'd ever looked in the NFL. Moore came on late after injuries to both Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. And having Kmet for those 12 personnel situations also came into play. I don't think they are going anywhere, even though the Bears could save some money by cutting or trading one or more of them.