The Chicago Bears are heading into what they hope is a new era under head coach Ben Johnson, with general manager Ryan Poles and Co. bringing in a host of new coaches and roster additions this offseason. At the same time, the Bears have several players, like Kevin Byard, whose futures are less certain.
Byard, a two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler, is in the final year of his contract after the veteran safety joined the Bears in free agency in 2024.
Byard made it clear he would like to finish his career with the Bears.
Kevin Byard Sends Clear Message on Future With Bears
Bears Have Decision to Make on Kevin Byard
Byard, a team captain in 2024, is on an expiring two-year, $15 million contract, and there have not been extension talks between his side and the Bears.
“I don’t think it has been [any contract talks with the Bears]. Like I said, for me personally, I would love to be here. I’ve loved being here over the last year. And, obviously, going forward for me, like I said, this thing is year-to-year. And, honestly, it’s probably going to be year-to-year for the rest of my career, until I’m done playing. Regardless of whatever kind of contract I signed, this is always going to be a year-to-year [decision],” Byard told Clocker Sports on Wednesday.
“I put everything – my heart and my soul – into this year, into this team, into this group of guys, and then we revisit those things in the offseason. But like I said, I would love to be here long term, to finish my career with the Chicago Bears. So, that’s all I’m focused on right now.”
The Bears are Byard’s third team.
Drafted with the No. 64 overall pick in 2016 by the Tennessee Titans, he has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was one of nine Bears to start all 17 games in 2024.
Byard finished with a career-best 130 total tackles, 7 pass breakups, 2.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. He earned the fifth-highest grade among Bears defenders from Pro Football Focus, ranking 32nd among all safeties in 2024.
Safety Could Be on Bears’ Radar in 2026
Bringing Byard back could make sense for the Bears, as long as his performance does not drop off in Year 1 under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
The Bears have not prioritized finding a long-term solution at the position with former seventh-round pick Elijah Hicks – who was not in attendance during Wednesday’s organized team activities – the youngest of their veteran backups. He turns 26 in October.
Jonathan Owens turns 30 in July, and Tarvarius Moore turns 29 in August.
The Bears have brought in intriguing undrafted free agents, led by Major Burns. But Jaquan Brisker is in a contract year after missing 11 games with a concussion last season.
Safety could be a position of need for the Bears in the 2026 NFL Draft with Brisker, Byard, Hicks, Owens, and Moore all free agents after this coming season. The Bears will have the means to retain whomever they would like from that group.
They will need to do something, though, whatever it is.