Having looked at the Chicago Bears who will become free agents when the new league year officially starts in March, it is important to look at the Bears players who are entering the final year of their current contract with the team.
Often, a player entering the final year of their current deal can indicate whether they will be a potential cap casualty or in line for an extension.
Bears players set to become free agents after 2025
Player | Position |
|---|---|
Kevin Byard | Safety |
DeMarcus Walker | DL |
T.J. Edwards | LB |
Gerald Everett | TE |
Ryan Bates | OL |
Andrew Billings | DL |
Kyler Gordon | CB |
Jonathan Owens | S |
Jaquan Brisker | S |
Joshua Milles | OL |
Samori Toure | WR |
Chris Glaser | OL |
Braxton Jones | OL |
Dominique Robinson | EDGE |
Alex Cook | S |
Ricky Stromberg | C |
Jamree Kromah | EDGE |
Elijah Hicks | S |
Tyson Bagent | QB |
Theo Benedet | OL |
John Jackson | WR |
Jordan Murray | TE |
Joel Wilson | TE |
Carl Jones Jr. | EDGE |
Austin Reed | QB |
There are a handful of these players who are likely to be cut this offseason. In that group, veteran tight end Gerald Everett is at the top of that list. Everett was signed to a two-year deal last offseason by the Bears before the team knew they would be firing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron in the middle of his first season with the team. Outside of Everett having a momentary spell as the Bears' starting tight end to open the season, it doesn't seem that he has a spot on the team moving forward. Cole Kmet is the rightful primary tight end on the Bears' offense. It's possible the Bears look to bring in a more defined blocking tight end but that almost certainly won't include Everett being on the roster.
Jaquan Brisker is in a curious position. When healthy, Brisker isn't only one of the leaders of the Bears' defense but an ascending safety in the NFL. The concern is that Brisker has dealt with a concussion in each of first three seasons with the Bears. Brisker was limited to 5 games last season due to his most recent concussion. As of now, depsite the potential Brisker has flashed, it seems that 2025 may be his last season with the Bears.
It's a safe bet to say 2025 won't be the last season with the Bears for Kyler Gordon. New Bears' defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was effusive in his praise of Gordon. Assuming Gordon has an increased role in the Bears' defense in 2025, he is the strongest of extension candidates the team has on their roster.