I always love it when national outlets take a spin at making off-season predictions because, in most cases, the prediction lacks a ton of context. That brings us to the prediction made by Pro Football and Sports Network.
In taking a look at the remaining NFL free agents, they take a look at each of the 32 teams to determine the best fit. For the Chicago Bears, they have the team addressing the safety position by signing Justin Simmons.
Making it even more confusing was the explanation of why the Bears should sign Simmons. The case was that since Caleb Williams is entering his second year in the NFL, and Ben Johnson's arrival has heightened expectations, the Bears should push their chips to the middle of the table by signing Simmons and addressing their need at safety. The need, you might ask, is because Brisker isn't worth the $4MM he is set to earn during the final year of his rookie contract.
The downplaying of Brisker's importance to the Bears' defense is laughable in its own right. When healthy, Brisker isn't just one of the best players on the Bears' defense, he has been on the ascent toward being one of the best safeties in the NFL.
The Bears may have a need at safety but not for 2025
Now, we can't just skate past the "when healthy" part for Brisker. Brisker has suffered a concussion in each of his first three seasons with the Bears and the one he suffered last year ended his 2024 season after Week 5. Add in the fact that Kevin Byard is in the final year of his contract with the Bears; the team certainly will have a need for safety next offseason. However, that need shouldn't point them in the direction of signing Simmons this season. Especially when the Bears would still be on the hook for Brisker's cap hit.
The Bears adding a safety at some point during the 2025 NFL Draft would be a pretty safe bet. However, when scouring the free-agent market for additions to round out the roster, safety probably isn't at the top of their wish list.