Chicago Bears Signed $15 Million Deal Ahead of Free Agency

Prior to this week’s formal start of 2024 NFL free agency, the Chicago Bears have identified an All-Pro to replace free safety Eddie Jackson.

Free safety and two-time All-Pro Kevin Byard was signed by the Bears on March 10 to a two-year deal worth $15 million, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The thirty-year-old paid the Bears two visits prior to the organization announcing his contract.

Despite a dismal half-season in Philadelphia to conclude 2023, Byard has been among the league’s most reliable deep-field defenders over the past few seasons. Over his eight seasons in the league, he has averaged an 80.0 run-defense grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Along with being a skilled ballhawk, he led the league in interceptions in 2017 with eight, and throughout his career, he recorded 28 picks.

After releasing Jackson, a seven-year starter, on February 15 in exchange for around $12.6 million in salary-cap relief, the Bears have been searching for a new free safety. They have now located a seasoned substitute who will end up costing them a lot less than Jackson ($18.1 million) in just the first two years of his contract.

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The Bears were able to negotiate with Byard and sign him prior to the start of the new league year on March 15 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time since the Eagles dismissed him.

Kevin Byard Meets Matt Eberflus’s Requirements at Safety 

Byard’s 2023 season did not end with the highest accolades. when trading backup safety Terrell Edmunds and two Day 3 draft selections, the Eagles had managed to pry him away from the Titans; nonetheless, their secondary deteriorated when he arrived and never fully recovered.

Nevertheless, it’s simple to understand why the Bears adore Byard. Byard is roughly four months older than Jackson, so they are not getting younger at the position, but they are getting someone who has been more reliable for their backup. Over the last eight seasons, he has started 121 games and has only missed one in his career.

At the 2024 NFL Combine in February, head coach Matt Eberflus stated that he was looking for an athletic ballhawk, and Byard’s resume seemed to suit that description.

Head coach Matt Eberflus stated during the 2024 NFL Combine that Byard’s resume, which includes leadership roles in Tennessee’s defense and athletic ballhawking, fits his expectations.

“The individual we would be seeking for must possess athletic ability, range, excellent communication skills, and ball skills,” stated Eberflus on February 26.

Nor should the importance of Byard’s leadership abilities be downplayed. Prior to his trade, he captained the Titans five times. His old colleague from both stops, A.J. Brown, has acknowledged that Byard encouraged Brown to take on a leadership position of his own. Strong safety Jaquan Brisker, a third-year emerging talent, will now share the deep field with Byard, something the Bears should really appreciate about him.

The Bears Could Still Draft a Safety Despite the New Signing 

Kevin Byard gives the Bears an obvious starter at free safety, but his agreement does not guarantee the team will select someone else in the 2024 draft.

While Byard is a good addition to the Chicago secondary who should be able to equal or surpass Jackson, he is also halfway to his 31st birthday and is playing on a deal that can be cut if he performs poorly for the Bears in 2024. It merely makes sense for the Bears to look into their alternatives for acquiring a younger and more reliable player at the position in the long run in order to develop their squad.

The Bears have good incentive to select another safety in the NFL draft, even if Byard does end up working out. Although Quindell Johnson and Elijah Hicks are on their roster as backups, neither player has performed well enough to hold a regular place in the rotation. Long-term benefits might result from selecting the appropriate candidate to fill the No. 3 safety role and developing him behind the scenes, should the Bears select him in the third round or later.