The Chicago Bears have been active in the free agent market this off-season, filling several roster spots with veteran talent ahead of April’s NFL draft. The movement has raised some eyebrows among fans and media as the team attempts to position itself as a playoff contender this coming season.
One of those free agent signings garnering attention was the acquisition of veteran defensive back Kevin Byard, who came aboard in a two-year deal reportedly worth $15 million.
Chicago Bears Blasted For Signing Byard
One of those vocal critics of the Bears’ signing of Byard is Randy Mueller of The Athletic, who named the move the most puzzling signing of the free agency period thus far.
Per Mueller:
“I was not surprised with how many expensive veteran safeties were released before free agency. I am shocked that teams are still adding veteran safeties who have marginal athletic ability. The Chicago Bears’ signing of Kevin Byard was a great example. The Philadelphia Eagles bet on Byard last season at the trade deadline, acquiring him from the Tennessee Titans. Not only did it not work out, but it went very badly.
In a passing league, it’s very hard to hide players who struggle in space, whether covering or tackling. There is no longer a ‘box safety’ position. Byard was a great player a few years ago, but he’s clearly lost a step. Bears fans have to hope it turns out differently as he joins his third team in six months.”
The 30-year-old former first team All-Pro is an 8-year veteran who was traded from the Tennessee Titans to the Philadelphia Eagles last October, but failed to bring the desired defensive boost to his new team. As a matter if fact, the Eagles would finish the season as one of the league’s worst defenses, especially against the pass.
In Defense of Byard
Defenders of Chicago’s move, however, point out that Byard was not brought aboard to be a star impact player. Rather, he was signed to be a lower-cost replacement for Eddie Jackson, who would’ve cost the team more than twice as much as Byard, and as a veteran presence among a crew of young secondary talent. The cap space saved can– and will– go towards the acquisition of additional talent to help round out the roster.
So far this off-season, Chicago has addressed needs at wide receiver, running back, the offensive line, quarterback depth, and the secondary, as well as special teams via free agency and trade. Next month’s draft will likely see the team pick up USC blue chip quarterback prospect Caleb Williams as a cornerstone of the Bears’ desired rebuild into a consistent post-season contender.
1 Comment
I don’t believe in CW / He would prefer going to Washington and he is a Me /myself and/I person that will bring chaos to Bears family and clubhouse fraternity and wait until he wants his father to have a role in the overall positions of note