Ahead of the legal tampering period on Monday, the Chicago Bears haven’t wasted any time in addressing their defense. After applying the franchise tag to great cornerback Jaylon Johnson, the Bears re-signed him on Friday to a huge four-year deal extension.
Chicago, meanwhile, continued its efforts after the Johnson extension. According to Philadelphia Eagles NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bears have signed Kevin Byard to a two-year, $15 million contract, making him their new starting safety.
The 31-year-old defensive back paid the Bears a visit on Friday while they looked to replace Eddie Jackson.
After being acquired from the Tennessee Titans in October of last year, Byard was released earlier this month by the Philadelphia Eagles. As many fans had anticipated, the veteran safety didn’t have a significant influence on Philly’s defense.
But since Philly changed defensive coordinators late in the season, it’s difficult to hold him accountable for the team’s problems.
With 75 total tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception, the two-time Pro Bowl safety was the Eagles’ final line of defense. Byard had a rough day in pass coverage, giving up two receiving touchdowns, a 75.6 completion percentage allowed on targets, and a 103.3 pass rating allowed when targeted.
Bears supporters will view Byard as an improvement over Jackson, despite the fact that he didn’t perform like a Pro Bowl safety with the Eagles the previous season. There is a discernible gap between Jackson’s grades and Byard’s PFF scores from 2023.
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