The Chicago Bears did not have the season that they hoped for in 2024. Though it started off fairly decent (4-2), they went on a ten-game losing streak following their Week 7 bye.
All three other teams in the NFC North Division enjoyed making the playoffs while quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of his team were through before the first week of January.
Thursday's NFL Draft presents the Bears with another opportunity to improve the roster and guide Chicago back to the postseason. It also serves as a path in replacing this veteran player whose better playing days are, perhaps, behind him.
Why the Chicago Bears Will Draft the Replacement for Kevin Byard III
Drafted out of Middle Tennessee in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Byard has become a durable and dependable safety since his days with the Tennessee Titans. In 2023, he was traded midseason to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Byard signed a two-year deal last March worth $15 million. The deal was slightly front-loaded as his base salary for 2025 is just below $6 million.
The 31-year-old recorded nine interceptions between the 2021 and 2022 NFL seasons. Since then, he has come up with only two picks in as many seasons.
Last season, Byard posted a career-high 130 total tackles and tied his previous career-best with two sacks. As the veteran member of the Bears' secondary turns 32 this August, it's hard to imagine that he can repeat numbers like these.
Does it Make Sense for Chicago to Keep Kevin Byard Past This Season?
Would the Bears want to spend $5-7 million per year for a 33-year-old safety in 2026? With almost absolute certainty, Chicago would say no.
Byard is a free agent after this upcoming season. Thus, drafting a coveted and capable safety might become a priority for the Bears. With four selections inside the first 75 draft picks this week, general manager Ryan Boles and the rest of the front office have their work cut out.
"He [Kevin Byard III] still has speed. He still has ball skills. And I really think he’s going to affect the defensive group at a high level."Ryan Poles, GM of the Chicago Bears
The ten-year veteran could see a rookie challenge for his position and playing time in 2025. With athletes like Malaki Starks, Xavier Watts, Billy Bowman Jr., Kevin Winston Jr., and Nick Emmanwori, potential Day 2 selections for Chicago, Byard's days in a Bears' uniform could be numbered.
Fellow safety Jaquan Brisker has age on their side. He was drafted in 2022 and is less than 25 years old. Despite having played only four seasons, Jonathan Owens turns 30 this summer.
The rest of the Bears' secondary looks solid. Cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, and Jaylon Johnson had strong seasons in 2024. Yet, drafting the relief for Byard this week in the NFL Draft makes sense given the age of the rest of Chicago's defense downfield.