The Chicago Bears have some important decisions to make this offseason, including the future of All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, who’s been integral to the team’s success.
Byard is set to become a free agent in March, where he’ll have an opportunity to explore the open market. But, according to Matt Zahn, Byard said there’s a “mutual interest” for him to return to Chicago and the Bears would be his “first choice.” But Byard is unsure of what the future holds and understands both he and the Bears need to do what’s best for them.
“With the success that we all had this season as a team, I think a lot of guys on this team are going to be coveted around this league, honestly,” he said, via the Sun-Times. “And I think the same way the organization is always going to do what’s best for the team, I think I owe that to my family as well.”
The Bears have four safeties set to hit the open market in March, including starters Byard and Jaquan Brisker, as well as reserves Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens. Chicago might not be able to re-sign both Byard and Brisker, and you’d assume Byard would be a top priority given his contributions on defense and as a leader in the locker room.
One of the biggest draws for Byard, or any incoming free agent, is knowing the team has a quarterback like Caleb Williams, who singlehandedly orchestrated some of the greatest comebacks in franchise history and can make throws that only a few quarterbacks can in this league.
“They have a franchise quarterback, and that’s the hardest thing to find,” Byard said. “That’s going to attract people to come here.”
Chicago has some important decisions to make this offseason as they look to establish themselves as a perennial playoff contender. And, at least in the short term, re-signing Byard would be a solid move for this defense and team. We’ll see if they can get it done.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Free agent Kevin Byard sounds off on potential return to Bears
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
