Dennis Allen lauds Jaquan Brisker's defensive impact, but steers clear of contract discussions as the Bears focus on playoff contention.
The Chicago Bears are preparing for the postseason, but contract talks are always looming throughout the season.
One player in a contract year is safety Jaquan Brisker. Brisker is at the end of his three-year, $7.4 million contract with the Bears via Spotrac. He was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Penn State.
He has carved out a role for himself in Chicago, playing alongside fellow safety Kevin Byard in the secondary. Brisker has 85 total tackles, one interception, one sack and one TFL this season.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was asked about Brisker's contract situation at a recent press conference. He first discussed Brisker's impact on the defense, but then brushed off contract negotiations.
Allen stated that the focus is on beating the Detroit Lions and then looking ahead to the postseason.
"I think he's a physical presence for us," Allen said. "Those are things we try not to focus too much on, in terms of contract years and things like that, but again, we have to keep the main thing the main thing and focus on trying to win this game against Detroit, and then there will be plenty of time for all that other stuff after the season's over."
Brisker has definitely earned a contract extension from Chicago this season.
He was one of the players on the team that was receiving plenty of attention in fan voting for the Pro Bowl. The three players who made the Pro Bowl for Chicago were Byard, center Drew Dalman and guard Joe Thuney.
The Bears play the Lions on Sunday in a rematch after the 52-21 beatdown they suffered at the hands of Detroit in Week 2. With a win, the Bears will take home the No. 2 seed in the NFC and face the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
Chicago will also clinch the No. 2 seed if the Philadelphia Eagles lose to the Washington Commanders. The Eagles are reportedly sitting their starters, so it could very well happen.
If the Bears end up losing and the Eagles win, there is a chance they could face either the Los Angeles Rams or the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card instead. The Packers are definitely the team the Bears want to face, with the recent injuries they've suffered.
Sunday's game will be at Soldier Field, as the Bears look for redemption. Kickoff is at 3:25 p.m. CT on Fox.