Chicago Bears have a looming decision to make with veteran defender who quickly became a locker room leader heading into 2025 offseason
The Chicago Bears have a massive offseason coming up that will define how this team will really look in 2025.The Bears likely believe they are just a few pieces away from competing in the playoffs in the first season under new head coach Ben Johnson.With the 6th-highest cap space in the league and four picks […]
The Chicago Bears have a massive offseason coming up that will define how this team will really look in 2025.
The Bears likely believe they are just a few pieces away from competing in the playoffs in the first season under new head coach Ben Johnson.
With the 6th-highest cap space in the league and four picks in the Top-75 selections in April's draft, the team has plenty of assets to work with in order to fill those holes and reach that level as a team.
The front office could even create more cap space in the coming weeks leading up to free agency by making some strategic cuts. Back in January, I broke down three players who could be cut by the Bears to create some cap savings. On Wednesday, another name was mentioned to watch out for as a potential cap casualty.
That player is veteran safety Kevin Byard, who joined the Bears last offseason after signing a two-year, $15 million deal in free agency. Byard put together a strong first season in Chicago, recording a career-high 130 total tackles and 2.0 sacks while adding one interception and seven pass deflections in coverage.
Byard, the two-time All-Pro selection, quickly became a leader, not just in the secondary, or even just on defense, but for the entire team. The veteran was named as one of the eight team captains prior to the 2024 season and his leadership was always evident on and off the field.
"As you get older, you do realize it’s like, 'Each one, teach one,'" Byard said via the Chicago Tribune. "I love to see other players succeed. I love to see Jaylon (Johnson) succeed and (Jaquan) Brisker and other guys on the defense. That’s fun for me…
"Also just on a personal, spiritual level, to have one-on-one talks with guys if they’re dealing with something, because I’ve been through a lot in my life. To try to assist them with stuff like that, that’s big. That really makes me feel just as good as making a play on the field. … That almost feels like catching an interception."
As good as he was on the field and in the locker room, the Bears will still have a tough choice to make regarding his future in Chicago. Moving on from Byard would save the Bears $7 million in cap space, but also create $1.5 million hit in dead cap.
Byard's future will ultimately depend on how new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen feels about the veteran. Given the team's depth in the room and with Jaquan Brisker coming off a season-ending concussion, the team would be better off keeping the locker room leader on the roster. Moving on doesn't seem to be worth the savings when you're talking about a player and leader like Byard.
Top NFL Draft analysts continue to be split on which offensive lineman the Bears should consider with the 10th overall selection
Which prospect would be the best fit?
