The Chicago Bears have named veteran Kevin Byard as their Defensive Player of the Year, a move that tracks with the trajectory Byard set during his time in Chicago. The 32-year-old safety has displayed his confidence, leadership, and ability while he's been here, and many Chicago fans hope to keep the train rolling. Alas, Byard is headed for free agency.
The Bears' roster has undergone significant turnover in the last few years, and Byard brought stability without announcing it. He's the type of player you make a captain in his first season on the team, and that's exactly what the Bears did. Only Byard and star quarterback Caleb Williams returned as captains in 2025 after also serving in the same capacity in 2024.
Byard also showed exemplary on-field defensive ability, leading the league with seven interceptions. This is the second time in Byard's career that he's led the league in that category. Byard also posted 93 total tackles. 61 of which were solo, tying Tremaine Edmunds for the team high for the regular season.
Defensive Prowess
There's no denying that the offense was the star of the show when it came to the Bears this season. The Bears' defense consistently ranked in the 20s in total defense and other defensive statistics, but they never fell off the board in takeaways, finishing the season with a +22 differential.
This was such a difference maker because the Bears followed through on almost all of these turnovers. Ensuring the opponent's offense remains off the field is key for an NFL team in 2025. The Bears did an excellent job of it, and Byard paved the way.
Kevin Byard's Defensive Player of the Year honor ultimately reflects more than a stat line or a highlight reel. It speaks to how the Bears' defense functioned when it mattered most. Byard operated as the constant, the player trusted to align the unit. The C on his chest wasn't taken lightly, and he frequently turned opportunity into possession.
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His interceptions changed games, but his presence shaped entire drives. When Chicago needed control and discipline, the coaching staff could ensure it was coming from the guy wearing #31. Chicago would be wise to re-sign him, especially after experts have analyzed that it's highly likely. Fans would rest easy, but not nearly as easily as Dennis Allen when he gets to keep his star safety.