Chicago Bears lose another key defender in free agency

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Mar 13, 2026 5:33 PM ET

The Chicago Bears’ draft plans are becoming clearly evident after the first wave of free agency.

The Bears made a big signing at safety, signing Coby Bryant away from the Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks.

Bryant will be a key addition for the Bears in the secondary because they’re losing pretty much all of their depth at safety.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson signed with the Buffalo Bills. Kevin Byard III signed with the New England Patriots. Jaquan Brisker signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Indianapolis Colts are signing Jonathan Owens to a one-year deal.

Former Bears free-agent S Jonathan Owens is signing a one-year deal with the Colts, per @SunnyTheAgent. pic.twitter.com/ugUaxZLNJo

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2026

Chicago Bears need to add a safety in the 2026 NFL Draft

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Owens joined the Bears before the 2024 season. He appeared in 34 games for the Bears and started in five games.

During that span, the husband of Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles recorded 68 tackles, one forced fumble, one interception, and two passes defensed.

The Bears now have Bryant, Elijah Hicks, Gervarrius Owens, and recently signed Cam Lewis at safety (if the Bears plan to use the defensive back at that position).

Safety will be a significant need for the Bears ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s likely Chicago will try to add help there in April to add youth at the position after losing four safeties in free agency, including Brisker, who was a 2022 second-round pick by general manager Ryan Poles in his first season with the Bears.

In addition to safety, the Bears still have needs on the offensive line, defensive line, and potentially at running back.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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