The Bears have some decisions to make in free agency on current key players. Today, we saw DJ Moore get traded to the Buffalo Bills. What happens to the rest of the key players? Here are some predictions.
Tyson Bagent: Stays. Whether it’s because they didn’t get a good enough offer or they never really wanted him to get dealt, I think he’s back as QB2.
Braxton Jones: Stays. I think the Bears will want to approach LT affordably with the hope that Ozzy Trapillo can earn the starting spot back in 2027,
if not late in 2026. I think they bring Braxton back as a potential swing tackle, and if he plays well, perhaps he earns his starting job back.
Olamide Zaccheaus: Stays. With DJ Moore gone, I think Ben Johnson will want his veteran receiver who does all the dirty work and knows the playbook well.
Durham Smythe: Stays. Not really sure on this one, but he seemed to handle the role of TE3 well, and I’m not sure they’ll go in a different direction. It’s always possible they sign him to a low guarantee and potentially draft a day 3 TE to compete with Smythe in training camp.
Andrew Billings: Goes. Zero shot, he returns in my opinion.
Gervon Dexter: Stays. The trade rumors seemed weird. I don’t think Dexter nets a 2nd contract in Chicago, but I also don’t see what trading him would do. Only one year of control, it’s probably like a 6. I think you’d rather see what he can do in year four.
Tremaine Edmunds: Gone via release on Thursday night. I never understand why any teams would trade for Edmunds. I think his production is closer to a $12 million player, and you can have a lower cap hit with a bonus structure. Why pay Edmunds $15 million and give up draft capital for him?
D’Marco Jackson: Stays. Jackson ended up being a fantastic pick-up last year. I could see the Bears going with TJ Edwards and Jackson as their starters. If they decide to go for a bigger name as their 2nd linebacker, Jackson still makes sense as their third linebacker, especially with Edwards coming off that brutal injury.
Kevin Byard: Stays. I think the Bears know how important he is, and they need some stability at safety. I’m going to predict 2 years, $22 million, with $12 million guaranteed.
Jaquan Brisker: Goes. Had an up-and-down year, with a history of concussions. I just don’t think he’s a fit here anymore.
Nashon Wright: Goes. I think the Bears really want him to stay, but I don’t think they feel they can afford him.
CJ Gardner- Johnson: Goes. I really want to type “Stays,” and I certainly hope he does. I think the move with CJ is to sign him to play safety, draft a day 2 safety, and let them compete in training camp. If CJ loses the job, you have a guy who can back up multiple positions and play well if called upon. Hopefully, he’s affordable, and the Bears decide to retain him for $2 or $3 million if they can.
Who do you predict will return for the Bears, and who do you think is gone?
