The Chicago Bears are wasting no time in their effort to replace Eddie Jackson in the secondary.
While the legal tampering period of NFL Free Agency begins on Monday, teams can meet with veterans who have been released prior to the start of the new league year.
The Bears are taking advantage of that opportunity as they met with former All-Pro safety Kevin Byard on Friday.
The #Bears hosted FA S Kevin Byard on a visit yesterday, source said. The former All-Pro was with the #Titans his entire career until a trade to the #Eagles last season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2024
Byard was released by the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this off-season. Financial purposes drove the Eagles' decision to release Byard as the team cleared approximately $13MM in salary cap space with the move.
It was a quick turnaround for the Eagles as the team acquired Byard during the season through an in-season trade with the Tennessee Titans.
A two-time Pro Bowler may be joining the Chicago Bears' secondary.
Byard has compiled ten interceptions throughout the past three seasons. Byard's release was the first of many veteran safeties their respective teams cut over the past two weeks. Speculation has been that NFL teams are trying to sink the financial value of safeties. While Byard is a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro safety, he likely is not at the top of the free agent market regarding available safeties.
Targeting Byard could indicate that the Bears plan on a much more significant expenditure once free agency starts this week.
Fresh off signing Jaylon Johnson to a four-year contract extension, adding Byard to the mix would be a sign that the Bears are indeed planning on contending during the 2024 season. Regardless of who the quarterback is next season, the Bears defense is in a position to be the reason why the team ascends toward the top of the NFC next season. Byard would continue that progression for the Bears while also allowing them to target a game-changing defensive tackle.