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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 28: Jaquan Brisker #9 of the Chicago Bears reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Eagles entered the offseason knowing their defense could look very different in 2026.
That reality became even clearer when Nakobe Dean, Jaelan Phillips and Reed Blankenship all departed on day 1 of free agency.
As general manager Howie Roseman evaluates options to reinforce the defense, one name continues to surface among Eagles analysts: Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker.
Brisker is a former second-round pick out of Penn State. He has quietly developed into one of the more productive young safeties in the NFL.
Over four seasons in Chicago, the 26-year-old has appeared in 52 games. He recorded 342 total tackles, seven sacks, four interceptions, and four forced fumbles.
His physical playing style, downhill instincts, and ability to impact both the run and pass game have made him an intriguing free-agent option for teams seeking defensive playmakers.
Recent speculation around Philadelphia has only fueled the conversation.
Bryan Cameron
#Eagles FA Watch:
Jaquan Brisker feels like a natural fit for the Eagles.
Physical, instinctive, and thrives playing downhill. Exactly the kind of safety Vic Fangio likes to move around the formation. It’s easy to see how Philly could unlock even more from his game.
Definitely
Several analysts have pointed out that Brisker’s skill set could make him an ideal fit in Vic Fangio’s defensive system, especially given the Eagles’ need to add depth and versatility at safety following Blankenship’s departure.
Brisker’s Physical Style Could Fit Eagles Defense
One of Brisker’s biggest strengths is his ability to play aggressively near the line of scrimmage.
Throughout his career in Chicago, he built a reputation as a physical defender capable of flying downhill against the run while also blitzing effectively from the secondary.
That type of versatility could make him particularly appealing for Fangio’s defense. The Eagles’ defensive scheme often relies on safeties who can rotate between deep coverage and box responsibilities.
Brisker has demonstrated that flexibility throughout his career, recording multiple tackles for loss while also contributing in coverage with pass breakups and interceptions.
During his time at Penn State, Brisker thrived in a similar hybrid role.
The Nittany Lions frequently moved him around the formation, allowing him to impact plays all over the field. That experience could translate well in Philadelphia, where Fangio often asks defensive backs to disguise coverages and handle multiple responsibilities.
Penn State Roots Could Make Eagles an Easy Fit
Another reason Brisker has emerged as a popular potential target for the Eagles is his connection to the region.
As a standout at Penn State, Brisker spent his college career playing in front of a large fan base that overlaps heavily with Eagles supporters throughout Pennsylvania.
Players with Penn State ties have often been embraced by Philadelphia fans. Brisker already has familiarity with the region’s football culture.
That regional connection has led many analysts and fans on social media to push for the Eagles to explore the signing.
From a roster-building perspective, the timing could also work in Philadelphia’s favor. Brisker is projected to command roughly $11 million per year, and the NFL safety market hasn’t lived up to expectations so far this free agency.
If his market does not heat up quickly, it could create an opportunity for Roseman to add a proven young starter at a reasonable price.
The Eagles just made a big move earlier today by signing Tariq Woolen to a one-year, $15 million deal.
For a team looking to reload defensively after losing three key contributors, Brisker could be an ideal fit alongside Woolen.