One of the Chicago Bears’ team captains is officially moving on. Safety Kevin Byard is signing a one-year deal worth $9 million, according to multiple reports. He reunites with head coach Mike Vrabel, who he was with during his days with the Tennessee Titans.
Byard signed a two-year deal with the Bears in 2024 and quickly became a key leader in the locker room. After a frustrating 2024 season. Byard played a major role in the team’s 11-6 record and NFC North division title. Byard led the league with seven interceptions and totaled 93 tackles (four for loss) and eight pass breakups. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors and made his third Pro Bowl.
While both Byard and the Bears were hopeful a deal would come together, the writing appeared to be on the wall when Chicago signed safety Coby Bryant to a three-year deal. Byard told NFL reporter Josina Anderson it was either Chicago or New England, and he reunites with Vrabel in the end.
The departure, while it was expected, was still tough for Bears fans. And many believe at $9 million that Chicago should have been able to make that work. Here is how fans reacted to the news:
