Brisker's holdout problem Bears must find solution to ASAP
Jul 22, 2022
Josh Schrock
Bears Insider
The Bears have signed 10 of their 11 draft picks, but that one remaining unsigned player looms large with rookies and quarterbacks expected to report to Halas Hall on Saturday in advance of training camp.T
Second-round pick Jaquan Brisker is not expected to arrive with his fellow rookies as he and the Bears continue negotiations on his rookie contract, The Chicago Tribune's Dan Wiederer reported Friday. A source confirmed to NBC Sports Chicago that the two sides remain far apart in negotiations.
At the heart of Brisker's holdout the amount of guaranteed money in the third year of his four-year contract. This will likely become a sticking point with more and more second-round picks.
For comparison, the New England Patriots drafted wide receiver Tyquan Thornton two picks after Brisker, and he received no guaranteed money in the third year of his deal. Phidarian Mathis was drafted one pick before Brisker and received $111K guaranteed in the third year of his contract from the Washington Commanders.
Those are likely to be key numbers in the negotiations between the Bears and Brisker's camp.
In the long run, this is unlikely to be a big deal for the Bears or Brisker. However, it's vital Bears general manager Ryan Poles wraps up the first holdout of his tenure quickly so Brisker doesn't miss too much valuable practice time.
Four years ago, Roquan Smith started a contract holdout in mid-to-late July and missed 15 practices. That missed time undoubtedly stopped Smith from exploding onto the scene earlier in his rookie season.
The Bears are thrilled about Brisker. OTAs and mandatory minicamp were abuzz about the rookie safety's quick progress and how he was the ideal safety to pair with veteran Eddie Jackson.
"He's been really good, really good," head coach Matt Eberflus said after the Bear wrapped up mandatory minicamp. "In fact, I was just talking to [defensive coordinator] Alan Williams about him on the field, and we're just so thrilled with his talent, you know, with his mental makeup and just the person he is and where he is in his development so far up until this point.
"He's picking up the defense," Eberflus said later. "He's picking up the defense, he's communicating with others. He's right on pace there, so we're excited for him."
Any missed practice time could slow Brisker's progress and keep him from being ready to start Week 1 when the San Francisco 49ers visit Soldier Field.
While fellow second-round pick Kyler Gordon didn't participate in mandatory minicamp, likely due to a similar contractual issue, Brisker took part in all three sessions and continued to show a knack for forcing turnovers.
There's a reason everyone in the Bears' organization was over the moon that Brisker fell to them in the second round. He's the perfect hard-hitting, havoc-creating safety to set the tone for Eberflus' defense, and his desire to play in the box should free up Jackson to make plays in the backend.
Brisker needs to do what's best for him. Football is a violent game. Every player should always try to get every dollar possible. He should catch zero criticism for wanting to make sure there is some third-year guaranteed money.
It's a minor issue, but one the Bears need to solve quickly nonetheless.
Last season, the Bears had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. Poles and Eberflus focused on fixing the secondary this offseason, drafting Gordon and Brisker in the second round to pair with Jackson and budding star cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
The secondary could be the Bears' best position group this season. But Brisker is a big part of the equation. So it's imperative the Bears get Brisker signed and on the field as soon as possible.
Bears are quibbling over $110,000 Guarantee in his third year of a four year contract? This is why people call the McCaskey's cheap. Not because they are, but at times they appear cheap in their dealings with players. If the guy before him got $110,000 in year three, offer him $100,000 in his third year. Its is simple really, taken one pick later so knock off 9% of what the other guy got and get it done. A hold out now will hold back his development, look at Roquan and his holdout.
2022 Prepare for the Suck!
2023 A Bright new Day!
Ryan Poles ripping off the band-aids since 2022!
Roster Move: Bears sign rookie Jaquan Brisker
Jul 26, 2022 at 12:20 PM
Larry Mayer
Bears Senior Writer
The Bears on Tuesday signed rookie second-round pick Jaquan Brisker, a safety from Penn State, to a four-year contract.
With their first training camp practice set to be held Wednesday at Halas Hall, the Bears now have all 11 of their 2022 draft picks under contract.
Brisker was chosen by the Bears 48th overall with a pick they acquired as part of a trade that sent outside linebacker Khalil Mack to the Chargers.
Brisker appeared in 34 games with 21 starts the past three seasons at Penn State, compiling 152 tackles, 7.0 tackles-for-loss, five interceptions and 19 pass breakups. Last year he was named first-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-American after generating 63 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, two interceptions and seven pass breakups.
This summer, Brisker will be given every opportunity to earn a starting job opposite veteran Eddie Jackson. The rookie certainly looked the part throughout the offseason program, especially as he gained a firmer grasp of the defense.
"I feel like I grew in the playbook," Brisker said. "I got better and more comfortable and know what I'm doing, know what my teammates are doing, and just playing fast."
2022 Prepare for the Suck!
2023 A Bright new Day!
Ryan Poles ripping off the band-aids since 2022!