As the Chicago Bears prepare for their NFC Wild Card matchup against the Green Bay Packers, no three players have more at stake (or less margin for error) than DJ Moore, Nahshon Wright, and Jaquan Brisker.
DJ Moore: From featured weapon to lingering question
Few players encapsulate the Bears’ uneasy transition into the postseason quite like DJ Moore.
The veteran wide receiver briefly looked like he was turning a corner late in the season. With Rome Odunze sidelined and rookie Luther Burden dealing with injuries, Moore had every chance to reassert himself as Caleb Williams’ go to option.
In weeks 15 and 16 he did just that with nine catches, 166 yards, and three touchdowns. But then it all fell apart. And over the final two games of the regular season, Moore managed just two catches for 18 yards.
Moore’s final stats of 50 catches for 682 yards and six touchdowns are career lows across the board. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a 28 year old receiver set to make $28.5 million, especially on a team with younger pass catchers waiting in the wings.
With Odunze, Burden, and Colston Loveland all part of the long term plan, Moore’s role, and value, is suddenly under scrutiny. The Bears can free up significant cap space with a post-June 1st trade, even without a contract out until 2028.
This postseason could be his last chance to remind everyone why he was once considered the engine of this offense.
Nahshon Wright: A liability the Bears can’t afford
GettyBears CB Nahshon Wright
All season, opposing quarterbacks have targeted Nahshon Wright with confidence… And for good reason. Against Detroit , he allowed four catches on five targets for 68 yards and the Lions had a 118.8 passer rating against him according to PFF .
On the season, Wright has given up 53 receptions on 83 targets for 725 yards and seven touchdowns. Yes, he has five interceptions (including a memorable pick six in week 1) but splash plays don’t outweigh consistent breakdowns, especially in the playoffs.
With Kyler Gordon set to return, Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson locked in, and young depth waiting for opportunities, Wright’s place in Chicago feels shaky. Unless he looks like a completely different player in the playoffs, this will most likely be his final stretch in a Bears uniform.
Jaquan Brisker: Playing for his next contract
GettyBears S Jaquan Brisker
The Bears’ defense got exposed against the Lions, allowing 433 yards and over 35 minutes of possession. Afterward, Jaquan Brisker didn’t mince words, openly saying defensive coordinator Dennis Allen “got out-schemed.”
Calling out your DC isn’t exactly the brightest idea in a contract year, especially cause Brisker’s play hasn’t backed up the frustration.
According to PFF, he has allowed 31 completions on 41 targets for 302 yards and four touchdowns, resulting in a career worst 118.1 passer rating in coverage.
The playoffs offer Brisker a chance to reset the narrative. To be the physical, tone-setting safety Chicago envisioned. If not, this postseason may be the end for him in Chicago.
The playoffs have a way of clarifying things. And the Bears are about to find out who rises, and who gets left behind.
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