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NFL Rumors: Kevin Byard, Bears Agree to 2-Year, $15M Contract After Eagles Exit

Andrew PetersMarch 10, 2024

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 15: Kevin Byard #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles defends in pass coverage during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Following his release from the Philadelphia Eagles, free agent safety Kevin Byard is signing a two-year deal with the Chicago Bears, per CBS Sports' Josina Anderson. The deal is worth $15 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Byard, 30, initially visited with the Bears on Saturday. A day later, he's found his new home.

Byard spent the first seven years of his career with the Tennessee Titans before being traded to the Eagles last season. He had 122 tackles and an interception between his time with the Titans and Eagles last year.

Last offseason, the Titans restructured Byard's contract to pay him a base salary of $4 million in 2023 and $9.6 million in 2024. The Eagles created $13 million in cap space and $1.39 million in dead money by releasing him.

Since being drafted in the third round in 2016, Byard has been named to two Pro Bowl teams and was All-Pro in 2017 and 2021. He was also the league's co-leader in interceptions in 2017.

Now joining a new team, Byard will look to regain his All-Pro status with another productive season.

After inking his deal, Byard expressed his excitement to be joining the Bears.

Kevin Byard @KevinByard

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The Bears are coming off a 7-10 season that saw them miss the postseason for a third straight year. Chicago is set to draft first in next month's NFL draft, where they are expected to take quarterback Caleb Williams.

With Byard now on the roster and free agency ahead of them, the Bears are hoping for a big offseason to prepare them for what they hope will be a turnaround season.