The Chicago Bears went through one of the most lackluster seasons last year, finishing 7-10. Their offense, led by Justin Fields, was totally a mess. The team is now in a puzzle thinking about their future move with Fields.
Fields is expected to depart from the Bears with the potential acquisition of Caleb Williams via the upcoming NFL Draft. Besides the QB room, the team is also making several offseason moves to shake off last season’s misery. The franchise has reportedly finished the signing of safety Kevin Byard.
Bears complete Kevin Byard signing
The Bears have bolstered their defense with the signing of Kevin Byard to a two-year contract, the team announced on Sunday. Financial details were not disclosed officially, but sources close to the deal revealed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the agreement is valued at $15 million.
The safety’s arrival marks a significant addition to a Bears defense that is steadily ascending under the leadership of head coach Matt Eberflus. Eberflus previously faced Byard multiple times while serving as the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Bears added a veteran leader to their defense. This experienced player, even though he’s not at his peak anymore, will be a valuable asset for their young and talented secondary, most of whom were drafted in the second round. He brings years of experience and strong leadership skills, and his consistent performanceâincluding being a first-team All-Pro in 2021âshows he can make an immediate positive impact on the Bears’ defense.
The safety is projected to start for the Bears, and his addition fills the void left by the departure of Eddie Jackson. His arrival signifies the Bears’ commitment to fortifying their secondary as they seek to improve on both ends of the field, leveraging their cap space of over $60 million.
Kevin Byardâs performance with Eagles last season
Kevin Byard transitioned from the Tennessee Titans to the Philadelphia Eagles in a mid-season trade in 2023. He finished last season with 122 tackles, marking his career best.
With 28 career interceptions, 33 passes defensed, and an impressive 749 tackles, he has established himself as one of the league’s premier safeties. His exceptional performance earned him two first-team All-Pro selections and multiple Pro Bowl appearances. The footballer’s standout year was in 2017, when he led the NFL with eight interceptions during his first All-Pro season.
The Eagles acquired Byard from the Titans in a strategic move during the 2023 season. The trade involved a fifth-round pick, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft, and safety Terrell Edmunds. Byard’s presence was expected to fortify the Eagles’ secondary and contribute to their playoff push.
However, the Eagles released Byard earlier this month to create an additional $13 million in cap space. Despite Byard’s impactful contributions, the business side of the NFL prompted the Eagles to part ways with the talented safety. The Bears will now benefit from this veteran’s performance in the upcoming season.
