This offseason for the Chicago Bears is perhaps the most important in the history of the franchise, with two top-10 picks in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft and the fifth-most cap space in the NFL. And they have already put that cap space to great use, both by retaining some of their top young talent, and adding in an experienced and talented veteran.
Earlier this week, the Bears agreed to a four-year $76 million deal with Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson, an incredibly promising young cornerback who really appears to be coming into his own in the NFL.
On Sunday, the team agreed to a two-year deal with former Pro Bowler Kevin Byard, first reported by Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.
Breaking: I’m told free agent S Kevin Byard is going to the #Bears on a 2-year deal, per source. pic.twitter.com/LkcLoOdU5p
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 10, 2024
Byard was released by the Philadelphia Eagles this past season after the team traded for him midway through the year in hopes that he would help sure up their pass defense. That largely didn’t happen, and Byard now finds himself on his third team in under a year.
For Byard, it is a chance for him to prove that he is still a player capable of elite play. And for the Bears, it is an addition that has the potential to be a true game-changer defensively if Byard is still the player he once was.
This move also further proves that they are willing to spend to create a great defense. In the past year, the team has brought in Tremaine Edmunds, Montez Sweat, and now Byard, all former Pro Bowlers at their respective positions.
If the Bears’ defense is as good as they have the potential to be next season, the Bears could seriously find themselves as true dark-horse contenders in the NFC. Especially when you consider the fact that the Bears could be bringing in a special talent like Caleb Williams through the draft with their No. 1 pick.
[Josina Anderson on Twitter/X]
