Jaquan Brisker was everywhere in the Chicago Bears' crushing 20-17 overtime Divisional Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The veteran safety met the moment and was arguably the best player on the field, especially when his team needed him most in crunch time.
Brisker made a lasting impression in what will ultimately go down as the final game of his up-and-down 2025 campaign. Not just on the Bears, but the rest of the NFL, considering he's slated for unrestricted free agency this offseason.
Rival front offices across the league presumably witnessed Brisker dominate the Rams, though the Rams still lost. It's fair to wonder whether he's priced himself out of Chicago's range by ending the season on such a high note. However, his postgame comments suggest the preference would be to sign a long-term contract extension with the Bears.
Jaquan Brisker leaves door wide open to re-sign with Bears in free agency
It sure sounded like Brisker enjoyed going to battle with his Bears comrades and representing Chicago. He notably acknowledged that there will be roster and personnel turnover in the coming months, including uncertainty about what lies ahead for him. Nevertheless, the 2022 second-round pick ostensibly isn't ready to say goodbye to the Windy City quite yet.
"We're all not going to be here again," Brisker said (h/t CHGO Sports). "This team is going to look different [next year], and it's sad, because this was a special group. I really care about my teammates and coaches ... I care about this city."
Some may view Brisker's comments as him savoring what could very well be his swan song with the Bears. That's not far-fetched, specifically after he referred to this squad in the past tense. Yet, there's also a genuine sense of love and respect for what Chicago accomplished, giving more "unfinished business" vibes than a farewell message.
The Bears won't be the only ones vying for Brisker's services when he hits the open market in March. Spotrac projects him to earn roughly $10 million annually in his next deal. A cap-strapped Chicago club with multiple holes on defense will be hard-pressed to retain him at that price, though maybe he'll take a hometown discount.
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Turning 27 in April, Brisker amassed 14 tackles (one for loss), two pass deflections, a sack and a quarterback hit against the Rams.