It has been an interesting offseason for the Chicago Bears, but it has been one where the secondary has taken a massive beating.
Chicago has lost four starters from that unit, including Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Even with those guys, there are more that didn't come back to the team for 2026, which leaves Bears fans to question what general manager Ryan Poles' plan is for the new year.
While they have made some nice signings with Devin Bush and Coby Bryant, the Bears have missed opportunities to bring back key players who could help them return to the playoffs and make a Super Bowl run. Here are four players Poles might end up regretting letting walk in free agency.
Jonathan Owens, DB
Owens isn't going to command the respect that other defensive backs who have left the team have, but he was vital for the Bears for his work on special teams. He and Josh Blackwell were stellar last year on special teams coverage. Depth in the secondary is a big concern for Chicago, so losing Owens hurts in more ways than one.
Nahshon Wright, CB
Wright cost the New York Jets only $5.5 million for one year, which leaves many wondering why the Bears didn't pay that low a price for a cornerback who led the NFL in turnovers with 10 and made his first Pro Bowl. It feels like a badly missed opportunity for the Bears to keep a core piece to the secondary, but the fan base hopes Poles has a plan to replace him.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, DB
The versatility that Gardner-Johnson brings to the team is not easy to replace. He can play safety and nickel corner, and play both roles well, as he was great at sending on blitzes to get to the quarterback. Chicago doesn't nearly have the depth in the secondary they had last season, so Gardner-Johnson's loss will be felt.
Read more: Bears fans would love Mel Kiper's mock draft to come true for Montez Sweat's sake
Kevin Byard, S
While some Bears fans would be right about pointing out that Byard wasn't always the most consistent in coverage, letting an All-Pro walk is a tough choice to make. He led the NFL in interceptions with seven and was a leader on the Bears' defense and in the locker room. Those types of leaders are not easy to find, so the Bears better have someone like Jaylon Johnson step up in that role.