As all teams do entering the offseason, the narrative around them quickly turns to roster changes and payroll, cap space, and free agency. For the Chicago Bears, this is no different. A significant portion of their defensive roster is departing, including several names that have been around for years.
Veteran safety Kevin Byard is set to enter free agency, but has expressed a wish to have more time with this team. The 32-year-old defensive standout has just completed his tenth season in the NFL. All teams are susceptible to roster changes through the offseason, but the Bears' defense is taking a significant hit.
Byard led the NFL in interceptions with seven in 2025, marking the second time he's taken home that honor. Even though the Bears are projected to land north of the payroll cap, Byard is one of the names that the Bears should absolutely re-sign. Elite safeties these days are normally between $18 million and $25 million, to just provide a rough outline.
"There’ll be plenty of time for those conversations, but I love being here. I love this city. This year has been amazing, and we’ll see what the future holds.”
Stability over Turnover
Byard is entering free agency after completing a two-year, $15 million contract. Given his defensive performance and his age, Byard would be a steal for the Bears. He wouldn't come in at the higher price, and he's already familiar with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's system. Not only is he familiar with it, but he also flourishes in it. It simply makes sense for the Bears to strike a deal.
There's no denying that the Bears spent 2025 building something tangible. Going from the bottom of the league to winning a playoff game against a division rival is a crazy shift. It only tracks that players who have been around would want to remain in stability under head coach Ben Johnson. Potential moves for replacements are certainly a possibility, but it's still early.
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Chicago fans would embrace the return of Byard, too. The difference in the Bears in 2025 didn't happen by accident, but rather, it was a deliberate culture shift under Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson. Re-signing Byard wouldn't be about clinging to what was; it would be about maintaining the stability on defense that a rapidly changing team desperately needs.