Jaquan Brisker may end up with a team Bears fans didn't even think about

The Chicago Bears will have a very busy offseason, with plenty of free agents to decide on, trades to make, and roster needs. They could end up seeing some of their talented young players slip away. One of them would be Jaquan Brisker.

Matt Bowen of ESPN went through the top 50 potential free agents this offseason and linked a new home for each player. Bowen has Brisker leaving Chicago for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"In Pittsburgh, Brisker would replace Kyle Dugger under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Brisker can play over the top in Cover 2, and he would be a disruptive box defender in Graham's single-high schemes. In four seasons with the Bears, Brisker had four interceptions, seven sacks and 14 pass breakups. The Steelers could also target a cornerback in free agency as they try to clean up the secondary."
Matt Bowen

Will the Chicago Bears lose Jaquan Brisker in free agency?

This makes sense for both sides. The Bears have to let some names walk to keep others. Brisker was great last season and had a strong rookie year, but the two seasons in between brought long-term questions. The team is likely smart to sell high and not get caught holding a player on the down with a big contract.

Beyond that, they need to keep the salary cap clean for when some big hits come in the next few years. Darnell Wright, Caleb Williams, and Colston Loveland all look like players who may top the market in their salary when the time comes.

Lastly, they may also lose Kevin Byard, and while he is older, he will come at an easier cost to swallow and is a better overall fit for the defense. So, if the Bears have to lose a safety, it will be Brisker.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers safety play was not great last year. They lost DeShon Elliott to an injury, and it fell apart after that. They moved Jalen Ramsey to safety, and it was up and down. Ramsey may not even be on the roster next year, either.

When you add that Brisker went to high school in the Pittsburgh area and attended Penn State for college, you can easily see him wanting to go back home and play for a team he grew up with. The combination of money, fit, and need all favors Pittsburgh over Chicago.

Do not be surprised if Brisker is on a new team next season, and do not be surprised if that ended up being Pittsburgh.