The Chicago Bears wrapped an impressive 2025 season, where they went 11-6, won the NFC North and won their first playoff game in 15 years. But their 20-17 divisional playoff loss to the Los Angeles mighty have marked the final game with the Bears for several players.
Chicago has 27 players slated to become free agents next month, which means that most of those players won’t be back with the team in 2026. While general manager Ryan Poles would like to bring back some in-house free agents, including All Pro safety Kevin Byard, he won’t be able to re-sign them all.
Advertisement
With that in mind, here’s a quick look at five players who might have played their final game with the Bears last month.
CB Nahshon Wright
While Nahshon Wright had a career year en route to his first Pro Bowl nod, it’s difficult to imagine the Bears are able to re-sign him given the abundance at the cornerback position, their salary cap situation and other needs to address on the roster. Wright, who led the NFL with eight takeaways, was one of the most pleasant surprises on a defense that had its share of struggles amid injuries and failing to meet expectations. It’s worth noting that Wright has made it clear he’d like to return to Chicago, as well as defensive backs coach Al Harris, but we’ll see if the Bears can make that happen.
S Jaquan Brisker
At this point, it almost feels like a certainty that Jaquan Brisker won’t be back with Chicago in 2026. But that doesn’t have much to do with his production (where he bounced back and played a complete season for the first time) so much as the roster situation itself. The Bears need to sign (and draft) safeties this offseason given all four are free agents next month. But GM Ryan Poles specifically mentioned wanting to re-sign All-Pro Kevin Byard when discussing the safeties. It’s difficult to imagine the Bears being able to bring back both starting safeties, which leaves Brisker the odd man out.
Advertisement
NCB C.J. Gardner-Johnson
The Bears played most of the season without top nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon, which prompted the team to go out and sign C.J. Gardner-Johnson to fill the void in the slot. Gardner-Johnson had an immediate impact in his first two games, totaling 15 tackles and three sacks, and proved to be a big improvement over Nick McCloud. There’s a chance Chicago could decide to move on, but Gardner-Johnson has the best chance (of anyone on this list perhaps) to return to the Bears. While Gardner-Johnson quickly endeared himself to Chicago, we’ll have to see if the organization can find a way to bring him back. Given Gordon has yet to play an entire NFL season, having a solid backup will be crucial for Dennis Allen’s defense.
DT Andrew Billings
Andrew Billings was one of GM Ryan Poles’ best free agent signings back in 2023, and he quickly earned a two-year extension after proving his worth in run defense along a questionable defensive line. With the addition of veteran Grady Jarrett, alongside Gervon Dexter, Billings found himself relegated to DT3 and declined as a run defender in 2025. Defensive tackle is expected to be a top need for Chicago this offseason, so moving on from Billings in free agency feels like an easy move.
Advertisement
OT Braxton Jones
When all’s said and done, Braxton Jones proved to be a solid fifth-round draft pick for the Bears. He served as the starting left tackle for three years, where he was good not great, and led the competition for left tackle last summer. While Jones won the starting job in 2025, he lost it to Theo Benedet who then lost it to rookie Ozzy Trapilo. Jones spent most of the season on injured before returning in time for the divisional playoffs to serve as depth following Trapilo’s season-ending injury. It wouldn’t be a complete shock to see Chicago bring Jones back on a one-year deal to serve as a short-term option at left tackle with Trapilo sidelined, but Jones will most likely be looking for a new home in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears: 5 players who may have played their last game for team
#players #played #game #Bears