The Chicago Bears are in the market for help at free safety after releasing former All-Pro Eddie Jackson following seven strong years in the Windy City.
In order to fill the void, the Bears have their sights set on yet another veteran All-Pro.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network is reporting that Chicago hosted free agent safety Kevin Byard, who was recently cut by the Philadelphia Eagles.
The #Bears hosted FA S Kevin Byard on a visit yesterday, source said. The former All-Pro was with the #Titans his entire career until a trade to the #Eagles last season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2024
Jackson put up 15 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles during his time in Chicago, and he is a major loss after being the anchor of this secondary for so many years.
Byard played a remarkably similar role during his first eight years in the league, leading the Titans secondary throughout that time until being traded to the Eagles prior to 2023’s trade deadline.
Byard has 28 career interceptions and has never missed a game.
There are some minor concerns about how much Byard has left in the tank, as he will be 31 when the 2024 season begins and is coming off one of his worst seasons after posting just one interception and largely being a disappointing addition to the Eagles’ secondary following the trade.
Philadelphia cut Byard on to clear $13.7 million in cap space.
Chicago is in the midst of a pivotal offseason where it has nearly $64 million in cap space and the No. 1 pick in the draft at it’s disposal.
Bringing in Byard would give the team some needed veteran stability, something which Byard surely needs as well as he’ll now be searching for his third team in two years and perhaps his final big long-term contract.
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