Bears' Latest Free Agency Acquisition Dubbed the worst in the league
The Chicago Bears have been relatively passive in bolstering their defense this offseason.
While the offseason isn't over yet, allowing room for potential strategic additions, the current defensive lineup of the Bears leaves much to be desired. The most notable defensive move by the team was the acquisition of veteran safety Kevin Byard on a two-year contract.
Byard, set to fill the void left by Eddie Jackson in the secondary, had a lackluster season after his mid-season trade to the Philadelphia Eagles last year. This decline in performance led Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports to label the signing as the offseason's worst.
"The Chicago Bears. He was an All-Pro safety not too long ago, but Kevin Byard struggled after being traded to Philadelphia last year. When he became a free agent this offseason, the Bears quickly secured him, offering the former Titan a two-year deal worth roughly $15 million," reported CBS Sports.
During his time with the Eagles in the 2023 season, Byard was thrust into the spotlight, expected to rescue Philadelphia's faltering secondary. Although Byard did exhibit a downturn in his performance with the Eagles, it's debatable whether this makes his signing by the Bears the poorest among NFL offseason moves.
The criticism of Kevin Byard's contract with the Chicago Bears might be overstated.
For Bears fans, the real concern should be the team's eagerness in securing Byard, seemingly outpacing other offers that were not as competitive, especially considering the terms of a two-year agreement.
Yet, positioned within a secondary that features Pro-Bowler Jaylon Johnson and the promising safety Jaquan Brisker, Byard has a conducive environment to regain his peak form, reminiscent of his tenure with the Tennessee Titans.
| POLL | ||
12 MAI | 89 ANSWERS Bears' Latest Free Agency Acquisition Dubbed the worst in the league Do you think Kevin Byard will improve the Bears' defense this season? | ||
| Yes | 69 | 77.5 % |
| No | 20 | 22.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
