The safety position faces a major overhaul this offseason, with all four primary safeties, including strong safety Jaquan Brisker, set to become free agents on March 11. The only safeties under contract past then are Dominique Hampton and Gervarrius Owens.
Cap space remains a major hurdle. The Bears project roughly $13 million in cap space to clear just to get back to even before the 2026 league year begins, and even with space available, a high-priced Byard extension could be unlikely if his market rises.
A trade for Bates III from the Falcons is proposed as a workable alternative. The Bears would reportedly send a 2026 fourth-round pick (from the Rams) to Atlanta in exchange for Bates and the final year of his contract, with a short-term extension likely to be arranged to ensure he isn’t a one-year rental.
Bates III is positioned as one of the league’s top free safeties, having earned three career second-team All-Pro selections. In 2025 he posted three interceptions, six pass deflections and 98 tackles, while holding quarterbacks to a 56.3% completion rate in coverage and playing every game for the Falcons for a third straight year.
Even as the Bears pursue Byard, general manager Ryan Poles has shown a willingness to explore unconventional moves. He publicly acknowledged interest in Byard, noting cap constraints and the complex roster decisions ahead, and has a track record of creative trades to address major holes. The Bears will negotiate with Byard first, but Bates (or other options) could emerge as an alternative if needed.
