In a stunning move that’s sure to shake up the NFC East, the Dallas Cowboys are reportedly on the verge of signing Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker to a three-year contract worth $33 million. Sources close to the negotiations confirm that the deal is all but finalized, with Brisker set to hit unrestricted free agency in 2026 after his rookie contract expires at the end of the 2025 season. This acquisition could be a game-changer for Dallas’ secondary, bringing in a hard-hitting defender who’s proven his worth as a starter over four NFL seasons.
Brisker, a second-round pick by the Bears in the 2022 NFL Draft, has established himself as a versatile and physical presence in the secondary. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing over 200 pounds, he’s built like a prototypical safety who can handle tight ends in coverage, blitz effectively, and stuff the run on the boundary. In 48 career games, Brisker has amassed over 300 tackles, 7.0 sacks, four interceptions, and 18 passes defended. His ability to disrupt plays near the line of scrimmage while still making downfield impacts makes him an ideal fit for the Cowboys’ defensive scheme.
The Cowboys have been cycling through safeties in recent years, relying on a mix of veterans like Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson, alongside younger talents such as Markquese Bell, Juanyeh Thomas, and Alijah Clark. While this group has been cost-effective and occasionally efficient, adding a proven starter like Brisker could elevate the unit to elite status. Analysts, including K.D. Drummond of USA Today’s Cowboys Wire, have long pegged Brisker as a prime target for Dallas. Drummond’s early prediction of a three-year, $33 million deal—complete with a $13 million signing bonus, two void years, and a modest $1 million base salary—seems to be coming to fruition, providing the Cowboys with cap flexibility while addressing Brisker’s injury history.
Speaking of injuries, that’s the one red flag in this otherwise blockbuster signing. Brisker has battled concussions throughout his career, suffering three diagnosed ones in his first three seasons: one in 2022 that sidelined him briefly, another in 2023 that cost him two games, and a third in 2024 that kept him out for the final 12 contests. However, entering his fourth year healthy and performing at a high level, Brisker has shown resilience. The structured contract protects Dallas from potential risks, making this a smart, low-risk/high-reward move.
What makes Brisker such a seamless fit? His time under former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus—now the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator—means he’s intimately familiar with the system. Drafted in Eberflus’ first year in Chicago, Brisker started immediately and thrived in a defense that emphasizes safeties who can disguise blitzes, cover flats, and support the run game. Even if Eberflus’ future in Dallas is uncertain after a rocky 2025 season, Brisker’s skill set aligns perfectly with how the Cowboys weaponize their defensive backs.
This signing comes at a crucial time for the Cowboys, who are projected to have needs at defensive back heading into the 2026 offseason. Stealing a starting DB from a division rival like the Bears not only bolsters Dallas’ roster but also weakens a potential NFC contender. At a price that won’t break the bank, Brisker represents the kind of savvy free-agent addition that could propel the Cowboys deeper into the playoffs.
As the deal finalizes, fans in Dallas are buzzing about the arrival of this sack-master safety. The NFC East just got a whole lot tougher—stay tuned for official confirmation and more details on how Brisker will integrate into the Star-studded defense.