Bears reportedly signing All-Pro safety Kevin Byard |
The Bears secondary should remain a strength in 2024 as the team has found Eddie Jackson's replacement.
Multiple reports on Sunday said the Bears are signing veteran safety Kevin Byard to a two-year deal worth $15 million. The deal is pending a physical. The 30-year-old visited the Bears over the weekend and liked what he saw. Byard, a two-time All-Pro, boasts an impressive resume with 28 career interceptions, 66 pass deflections, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown. Notably, he led the NFL in interceptions with eight in 2017. The Bears see potential in Byard's veteran presence complementing their youthful secondary talent. Biggest difference between Kevin Byard and Eddie Jackson: New Bears All-Pro Safety Kevin Byard has played 8 seasons in the NFL. New #Bears FS Kevin Byard graded as the 8th-best safety against the run with a 83.6 PFF grade.
Byard career missed tackle rate per PFF - 6.8%
Jackson career missed tackle rate per PFF - 14.5%
He's played in every game. 130 total. Hasn't missed one. Talk about durability.
Overall, his defensive grade was 23rd among safeties. Based off 2023 grades alone, he was the 5th-best rated safety among FAs.
Not a perfect point of evaluation, but one to consider.
