In this series, we look back at the biggest moves from a year ago and review how they have panned out up to this point.
Next up in our 2024 rearview mirror series is safety Kevin Byard.
Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
On Sunday, March 10th, 2024, the Chicago Bears signed former All-Pro of the Tennessee Titans (and a short stint with the Philadelphia Eagles) to a two-year contract worth $15 million.
After quickly earning the respected captain ‘C’ on his jersey, Byard proceeded to post career highs in solo and assisted tackles and tied his career high in tackles for loss, sacks, and fumble recoveries. He also made one of the top plays of the season with this gem:
Kevin Byard : Career-high 14 tackles, sack & a forced fumble
TJ Edwards : 4 tackles, sack & a fumble recovery pic.twitter.com/nXT0YgBiIN— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) January 5, 2025
Byard proved to be a steady and heady presence on the back end of the D and also proved to still have something left in the tank. At this point, he will most certainly be a fixture on the 2025 Bears, but beyond that is a bit murky given his age. That said, I could absolutely see him thrive with better production up front on the defensive line and with Dennis Allen calling plays on defense. Either way, I would rate this signing one of Poles’ finest as GM of the Chicago Bears and great value for an above-average starting NFL safety.
“I put everything, my heart and my soul into this year, to this team, to this group of guys, and then we revisit those things in the offseason,” Byard said last week from Halas Hall. “I would love to be here long term, to finish my career with the Chicago Bears. That’s all I’m focused on right now.”
He’ll be 31 in a few months, and he realizes he’s likely a year-to-year player at this point, but another productive season, and he could be in line for a 2026 deal.
“I’m grateful and I’m totally truly blessed to be able to go into my 10th year in this league. That was always my goal when I was a rookie, say I want to play 10 years, but to be in this space, and to still be playing well is truly a blessing,” Byard said last week. “I’m just taking it day-by-day, just having a lot of fun. [We] have goals, big lofty goals for us individually and as a team and for us to be able accomplish those goals. We’ve got to win ball games. If we win, then we all win, and it all takes care of itself.”
How would you assess the Kevin Byard signing?
Do you think there’s a role for him beyond 2025?