LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Until the Eagles released him on March 1, veteran safety Kevin Byard had never been a free agent seeking a new team.
His free agency didn’t last for too long. The Bears soon came calling for the 30-year-old Byard as they sought to fill a void at safety. Though he had other options, Byard was attracted by the chance to join a team that he believes is on the rise, and he signed a two-year contract with Chicago this past Sunday.
“Excited about this defense and just excited about the prospect of what we can build with this team,” Byard said Thursday at Halas Hall in his introductory press conference.
An All-Pro with the Titans in 2017 and 2021, Byard was traded to the Eagles last October in the first change of scenery of his eight-year NFL career. It ended up being a short stint for him in Philadelphia as Byard was let go in a cap-clearing move as March got started.
With the free-agent market deep in safeties, Byard acted quickly to find his new team. He reached his deal with the Bears nine days after he was released – and also a day before unrestricted free agents could officially begin negotiations with teams in free agency. Because he was out of contract upon being released, Byard was eligible to sign immediately.
“I really like what coach Matt (Eberflus) is building here just as a team,” Byard said. “There’s a lot of things to be excited about. This defense has a lot of great pieces here for sure, especially in the secondary. Obviously, just signed Jaylon (Johnson) to a big extension. I really think highly of him. He’s a really great player. And obviously, getting with Brisker, Jaquan — I think he’s a really good ascending player as well. But there’s a lot of pieces, from Kyler Gordon, obviously Tyrique Stevenson was a rookie last year. So, I like what they’re doing in the secondary. And obviously, you got Montez Sweat, who you brought in in a trade.
“A lot of great pieces and obviously two really good linebackers, so excited about this defense and just excited about the prospect of what we could be in this team and the challenge of obviously trying to knock Detroit off the high horse.”
Byard is tied for ninth among all active players in the NFL with 28 career interceptions. He has posted four or more picks in five of his eight seasons in the league. Byard also served as a captain during his time with the Titans.
The Bears will turn to Byard as a starter alongside Brisker in the back of their secondary. Byard will take the place of safety Eddie Jackson, who was released in February. Byard hopes to step in as a key leader for the group and a “second coach” on the field. Throughout his career, he has worked to be in lockstep what the defensive coordinator will call for his unit and have his teammates ready.
As he was introduced by the Bears, Byard had a great sense pride in his availability throughout his career. He has played every game of his eight-year NFL career and has never missed a practice for injury reasons. He has only missed practice for the birth of a child.
In joining the Bears, Byard hopes to make a strong impression on those around him. That means leading the team forward and playing at a high level.
"I know what type of player I am," Byard said. "I know what type of player I've been my entire career, and I will seek to prove myself right again. I've been working my behind off already this offseason. I'm excited to come in and be that piece for this defense and display my ball-hawking skills and things like that. I'm sure with the pieces that we have, it will be on show for real."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .
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