Chicago Bears 2025 Roster Turnover: How set are they at safety?
The Chicago Bears’ safety position is at a pivotal juncture as they approach the 2025 NFL season. With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the team’s strategy for this role will significantly influence their defensive performance.
Current Safety Roster
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Kevin Byard III: Byard led the Bears with 130 tackles in 2024, marking the highest in his nine-year career. At 32, while he may have experienced a slight decline in speed, his extensive football intelligence remains invaluable.
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Jaquan Brisker: Brisker’s career has been marred by concussions, limiting him to just five games in 2024. When healthy, he is a significant asset, but his availability remains a concern.
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Jonathan Owens: A reliable backup and special teams contributor, Owens is under contract through 2025 with a salary of $1.925 million. His future with the team may depend on his fit within the new defensive scheme.
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Elijah Hicks: Since being drafted in the seventh round in 2022, Hicks has participated in 44 games, starting 15. His role has primarily been on special teams, with limited defensive snaps.
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Tarvarius Moore: Moore played in 11 games in 2024, exclusively on special teams. His contract status and future with the Bears are currently uncertain.
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Adrian Colbert: Having spent parts of the last two years on Chicago’s practice squad, Colbert’s tenure with the Bears may be concluding.
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Alex Cook: An undrafted free agent from 2023, Cook has been with multiple teams and spent 2024 on practice squads. His potential impact on the active roster remains to be seen.
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2025 Outlook
With none of the current safeties under contract beyond 2025, the Bears face critical decisions regarding this position. The possibility of drafting a safety to prepare for future seasons is under consideration. Potential mid-round draft prospects include Penn State’s Jaylen Reed, Virginia’s Jonas Sanker, and Oklahoma’s Billy Bowman.
In free agency, 29-year-old Will Harris, who spent 2024 with the New Orleans Saints, emerges as a viable candidate. His experience and versatility could align well with the Bears’ defensive needs.
The Bears’ safety position is at a crossroads, with a blend of veteran presence and youthful potential. Strategic decisions in the upcoming offseason, including draft selections and free-agent acquisitions, will be pivotal in solidifying this crucial defensive role for the 2025 season and beyond.
