Bears GM Ryan Poles continues to invest in defense
The Chicago Bears continue to spend money on their secondary this offseason as the team reportedly signed All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to a two-year deal.
Since Byard was released by the Philadelphia Eagles, he did not have to wait until the new league year began to ink a new deal.
CBS Sports first reported the agreement. The deal is worth $15 million at its base, NFL Network reported.
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Kevin Byard of the Philadelphia Eagles tackles Kadarius Toney of the Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Nov. 20, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Byard, 30, visited the Bears on Friday, and it seems he likes what he sees with the organization, which has a spot for him to start following Eddie Jackson’s release to save salary cap space.
Byard was released by the Eagles, who were also looking to shed salary cap, and safety has been a position across the league that seems to be undervalued given many teams are releasing top talent. Players like Xavier McKinney and Justin Simmons will look to find new homes this week.
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But the two-time first-team All-Pro Byard joins a Bears team that is clearly looking to use its massive amounts of cap room to contend in 2024.
Bears GM Ryan Poles just gave cornerback Jaylon Johnson a long-term extension after an initial franchise tag. He signed a four-year deal worth $76 million with $54 million guaranteed.
Kevin Byard of the Tennessee Titans reacts after a third-down stop against the Los Angeles Chargers at Nissan Stadium on Sept. 17, 2023, in Nashville. (Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
So, Poles has invested in defense with Byard, Johnson, Montez Sweat at edge rusher (four years, $98 million) and linebacker with Tremaine Edmunds (four years, $72 million).
Now, armed with more cap space and two Top 10 2024 NFL Draft picks, including first overall, Poles is in position to make the Bears a more formidable group on paper next season.
Byard was traded to the Eagles from the Tennessee Titans in October. He finished the year with 122 combined tackles, one interception and three passes defended between the two teams.
Kevin Byard of the Tennessee Titans stands for the national anthem before the Miami Dolphins game at Nissan Stadium on Jan. 2, 2022, in Nashville. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
His last All-Pro season came in 2021, where he had 88 tackles, one sack, five interceptions (one for a pick-six) and six passes defended for the Titans.
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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
