Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears' free-agent signing labeled one of NFL's worst

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated 5/11/24

The Chicago Bears have been among the more aggressive franchises this offseason in free agency and emerged from the NFL Draft with generational quarterback prospect Caleb Williams and an electrifying receiver to round out their trio at the position.

Meanwhile, in free agency, the Bears added help at running back and at all three levels on defense.

However, not everyone is bullish on each of the Bears’ moves this offseason.

Kevin Byard was traded by the Tennessee Titans to the Philadelphia Eagles last season and never quite made an impact as the defense backslid amid an epic second-half collapse.

CBS Sports’ NFL writers took part in a roundtable, and among other topics discussed were the best and worst signings of free agency.

Jordan Dajani panned the Bears’ Byard addition as the worst move of the offseason.

“He was an All-Pro safety not long ago,” Dajani wrote, “but Kevin Byard struggled after being traded to Philadelphia last year. When he became a free agent this offseason, the Bears quickly pounced on him, signing the former Titan to a two-year deal worth something like $15 million.”

Byard produced 75 tackles with one interception last season before cashing in on a $15M contract with the Bears. If Chicago has any vulnerabilities on defense entering the season, it might be at safety, which will hinge on Byard returning to form.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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