As Dallas looks to solidify its secondary, a new prediction links Bears safety Jaquan Brisker to the Cowboys in 2026 free agency. His blend of size, scheme familiarity, and playmaking fits the profile, but a significant injury history looms as the ultimate question mark.
The Dallas Cowboys’ quest for stability at the safety position may lead them to the Windy City. With a rotating cast of players manning the backend in recent seasons, the Cowboys are perennially in search of a long-term answer. According to an early projection from K.D. Drummond of Cowboys Wire, that answer could be Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker when he hits unrestricted free agency in 2026.
The Prototype Build and Skill Set
At 6-foot-1, 200+ pounds, Brisker is the physical mold teams covet. As the analysis states, “If you were building a safety in a lab for the Dallas Cowboys, he’d probably look a lot like Jaquan Brisker.” His four-year starting resume showcases a versatile, impactful player:
Tackling Machine: Over 300 career tackles in 48 games.
Pass Rush Threat: 7.0 career sacks, showing effectiveness as a blitzer.
Ball Skills: 4 interceptions and 18 passes defended.
This three-down capability aligns perfectly with how Dallas has historically used its safeties—deploying them as hybrid weapons near the line of scrimmage to disrupt the run and short passing game while still being capable in deep coverage.
The Financial and Scheme Fit
Drummond’s projection suggests a 3-year, $33 million contract with a structure designed to protect the team, including a $13 million signing bonus and void years. This projected mid-tier price point is attractive for a team like Dallas that must manage its salary cap carefully while paying its superstars.
A significant factor is Brisker’s familiarity with the defensive system. He was drafted and started for three seasons under Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys’ current defensive coordinator. This intimate knowledge of the scheme could allow for a seamless transition and immediate impact, regardless of Eberflus’s own future with the franchise beyond this season.
The Elephant in the Room: The Concussion History
While the fit is logical on paper, any pursuit of Brisker comes with a massive, unavoidable caveat: his health. The 25-year-old has suffered three diagnosed concussions in his first three NFL seasons (2022, 2023, 2024), with the most recent causing him to miss the final 12 games of the 2024 campaign. Although he has remained healthy in 2025, this history is a major red flag that will undoubtedly affect his market value and the structure of any contract.
For the Cowboys, who have seen their share of talented but oft-injured players, investing meaningful capital in a safety with multiple brain injuries is a substantial risk. Any deal would need to be heavily incentivized and include protections for the team.
The Verdict: A High-Risk, High-Reward Calculation
Jaquan Brisker represents the classic free-agent dilemma. On one hand, he is a young, proven starter with the exact physical and tactical profile the Cowboys need, available at a potentially reasonable cost. The connection to Eberflus is a bonus.
On the other hand, his concussion history is not a minor concern; it’s a potential career-altering issue that casts a long shadow over his future availability.
For Dallas, Brisker should absolutely be on their radar as a potential target. However, he cannot be viewed as a surefire solution. He is the definition of a “buyer beware” candidate. If the medical evaluations are thorough and the financial terms are structured to mitigate risk, he could be a shrewd addition. If not, the Cowboys might be better served looking elsewhere for their safety of the future.