The Chicago Bears are preparing for major roster turnover leading into the 2026 NFL season, with the team looking considerably different compared to 2025. On offense, players like DJ Moore and Drew Dalman have already departed, and the defense lost linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. Several key free agents remain available, including Nahshon Wright and all five safeties from last year’s roster, as the Bears contemplate how best to rebuild.
Before recent moves, the Bears faced tight salary cap restrictions, particularly at the safety position. However, after releasing Edmunds and other players, the team has opened up about $44 million in cap space. Currently, they hold approximately $32 million in cap room, prior to any contract restructures, which could allow them to retain one or potentially both of their starting safeties from last season.
Salary Cap Relief Following Key Departures
The decision to release linebacker Tremaine Edmunds freed up $15 million in cap space but left $2.4 million in dead cap charges. This restructuring brought Chicago’s Top 51 salary cap space to an estimated $32 million as they enter the new league year. This financial flexibility is critical as the Bears evaluate their options in free agency and the upcoming draft.
The release of LB Tremaine Edmunds leaves behind $2.4M of dead cap to the #Bears, clearing $15M of space. Chicago now boasts an estimated $32M of Top 51 cap space heading toward the league year.— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 6, 2026
Evaluating the Safety Position Amidst a Strong Market and Draft Prospects
Despite the cap space available, the Bears may benefit from exercising caution at the safety position this offseason. The free agent market features an abundance of talent, and the 2026 NFL Draft is rich with defensive back prospects. This depth could influence Chicago’s approach, prompting patience before committing significant resources to safety signings.
Recent moves in the safety market underscore this point. Rams safety Kam Curl agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract, tying as the 15th highest annual average value for the position. Curl’s versatile skill set and impact make his contract a benchmark for other safeties on the market.
Rams and S Kam Curl reached agreement on a three-year, $36 million deal, as NFL Network reported. pic.twitter.com/irUWNC3zVS— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2026
Kam Curl’s Impact and Market Implications for the Bears
Curl has developed into a highly versatile safety able to excel in multiple defensive facets. Unlike many safeties who fulfill specialized roles, he demonstrates no major weaknesses across coverage, tackling, and run support. His unique skill set places him among the top players at the position.
Kam Curl was the only safety in the NFL to earn at least an 80 PFF grade in run defense, tackling, and coverage— Nick Akridge (@PFF_NickAkridge) August 3, 2023
While Curl sets a solid market pace at roughly $12 million per year, other standout safeties such as Chiefs’ Bryan Cook and Seahawks’ ball-hawk Coby Bryant might command even higher contracts. These two are the only likely challengers to Curl’s salary level.
Prospects for Retaining or Replacing Current Bears Safeties
Among Chicago’s returning safeties, Jaquan Brisker is known for his run-defense prowess but faces scrutiny over coverage issues and a concussion history that could temper his market value. He is expected to attract a healthy free agency interest but may settle for deals in the $10–11 million range annually.
Meanwhile, veteran safety Kevin Byard faces concerns related to his age, as he will be 33 during the 2026 season. Teams generally hesitate to offer large contracts to players in that age bracket, despite Byard leading the league with seven interceptions in the previous season. His recent performance shows he remains an effective player, and teams will consider his value beyond age alone.
Curl’s recent contract may place pressure on Byard’s potential deal, which analysts now estimate at around $9 to $10 million per year, slightly lower than earlier projections of $10–11 million. Byard remains the logical choice for the Bears to re-sign due to his leadership in the locker room and compatibility with head coach Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme.
Strategic Considerations for the Bears Moving Forward
The Bears sit at a crossroads with their safety decisions. Curl’s market-setting contract provides a useful reference point as Chicago weighs whether to invest in established veterans like Byard or wait for promising talent via the draft and free agency. The additional cap space affords the team flexibility, but given the depth at the position, patience could benefit long-term roster construction.
Ultimately, how the Bears handle their safety roster will significantly shape their defense’s competitiveness in 2026 and beyond. Retaining strong veterans or bringing in high-upside players will require careful balancing of cap resources and team needs as the offseason progresses.
The release of LB Tremaine Edmunds leaves behind $2.4M of dead cap to the #Bears, clearing $15M of space.
Chicago now boasts an estimated $32M of Top 51 cap space heading toward the league year.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 6, 2026
Rams and S Kam Curl reached agreement on a three-year, $36 million deal, as NFL Network reported. pic.twitter.com/irUWNC3zVS
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2026
Kam Curl was the only safety in the NFL to earn at least an 80 PFF grade in run defense, tackling, and coverage
— Nick Akridge (@PFF_NickAkridge) August 3, 2023
