The Chicago Bears signed free-agent safety Kevin Byard to a two-year contract worth $15 million on the eve of free agency. Byard was free to sign with a team of his choosing before Monday's legal tampering period opened because he was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month. He's expected to replace the recently released Eddie Jackson in the starting lineup.
Bears are signing S Kevin Byard to a 2-year deal worth $15M. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/meJzzQBy2a
— NFL (@NFL) March 10, 2024
It was initially unclear how GM Ryan Poles would replace Jackson, whose release freed up $12.56 million in cap space. The aging Jackson appeared to be past his prime throughout 2023. Replacing him with another veteran safety who may be on a similar downward trajectory represents a curious decision.
The Eagles acquired Byard from the Tennessee Titans in a midseason trade last year. The Titans were eager to dump Byard's bloated salary and did well to receive two late-round selections and a player in return. Tennessee's willingness to trade Byard, a fan-favorite who established himself as one of the better safeties in the league in recent memory, should have served as a warning sign to Philadelphia and now Chicago.
Byard looked like a shell of his former self in Philadelphia. In fairness, the defense around him imploded, too. In-house controversy at defensive coordinator left players angry and confused. But Byard's ability to tackle and play man coverage, two areas of usual strength for him, appeared to wane.
On the flip side, there's no denying Byard's football I.Q. and locker room leadership. He's one of the hardest-working, smartest safeties in the league. His every-day approach should rub off on rising talents like Jaquan Brisker, Kyler Gordon, Terell Smith, and Tyrique Stevenson. Fans often underrate leadership, and plenty of it was lost when Jackson was let go. Byard will step in appropriately.
As we await the more intricate details of Byard's agreement with the Bears, such as guaranteed money, it's fair to assume doing a two-year deal at an average annual salary of $7.5 million will lower Byard's immediate cap charge to under $5 million. That essentially means the Bears traded Jackson in exchange for Byard and approximately $7 extra million in 2024 cap space. Poles may feel victorious.
Kevin Byard's on-field play and ability to recapture his previous form will make the final determination.