REPORT: Chicago Bears Strike Early, Grabbing Needed Safety Help

The Chicago Bears haven’t wasted much time with their efforts to improve the roster. Free agency hasn’t even begun yet and they’ve already made two notable moves. The first was trading for veteran interior offensive lineman Ryan Bates. He brings experience starting at both center and guard to the table. Now another name joins the fray. GM Ryan Poles reached an agreement with former All-Pro safety Kevin Byard on a two-year deal for $15 million, securing a much-needed replacement for Eddie Jackson.

This isn’t a long-term solution for the Bears. Byard is 30 years old. It is more an admission by Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus that the safety outlook isn’t great this year. They have other more pressing needs across the roster that will require larger investments. Byard is a quality player with the exact range, instinct, and ball skills this defense requires from that position. Last season was difficult for him after being traded to Philadelphia, but that entire defense was a mess.

It isn’t crazy to think he can rebound under Eberflus’ capable guidance.

Byard will be a veteran presence the Chicago Bears need.

Their secondary is among the youngest in the NFL with every other player in the ground 25 or younger. Byard has played 130 games in his career and another eight in the postseason. He has seen a lot of high-level football. On top of that, he’s a bit more well-rounded than Eddie Jackson was. While a terrific ballhawk in coverage, he’s also showcased an ability to play the run with over 100 tackles in three different seasons. It isn’t hard to see why he appealed to the Bears.

Even better, they get him for cheap. Collecting a capable safety for only $7.5 million per year is a big win. Don’t forget the top free agents going into this year expect to command almost double that amount. Byard is a perfect bridge option for the Chicago Bears. He can buy them a year or two on the back end until they’re in a better position to invest at safety with a higher draft choice. It is a common tactic for smart teams. The only thing the Bears need from him is to stay healthy.