Multiple Experts Say Chicago Bears Had One Of NFL’s Worst Free Agent Moves
The Chicago Bears didn’t exactly go crazy in free agency compared to other teams. GM Ryan Poles made some key signings, focused on depth, and improved the special teams. Then he brought it home with the Keenan Allen trade. That said, not everybody was impressed with what the Bears did. Some were curious about the decision to sign running back D’Andre Swift to a three-year deal, feeling he was more a product of Philadelphia’s excellent offensive line last season. Chicago didn’t seem to care. They felt his versatility and explosiveness were two things they needed.
No, the signing that drew criticism from experts was somewhat surprising. ESPN asked all of its top analysts who they felt the worst signing of the free agency period was this year. Green Bay got some heat for adding Josh Jacobs. Tennessee was criticized for overpaying Calvin Ridley. Somehow, the move that got the most hate was the Bears’ signing of veteran safety Kevin Byard.
All felt they overpaid for a player out of gas.
Fowler: Safety Kevin Byard to the Bears. Byard has had a great career, but jumping out pre-free agency with $15 million over two years seemed impulsive, especially with Justin Simmons and Quandre Diggs still out there in an oversaturated safety market. For contrast, Kamren Curl, who is five years younger, signed for $8.75 million over two years, with upside to $12.75 million.
Jason Reid: Byard to the Bears. The Bears bucked the trend of teams moving on from veteran safeties, signing Byard, who turns 31 in August, after he was cut by the Eagles. Hoping he would be a big part of another Super Bowl run, the Eagles acquired Byard at last season’s trade deadline, but the secondary was a mess down the stretch. Obviously, Byard shouldn’t be blamed for all of the Eagles’ coverage issues, but there’s no sugarcoating it: He didn’t play well and, then, got a sizable deal from the Bears.
Jordan Reid: Byard to the Bears. The safety market was very good entering free agency, and there were much better and younger fits for the Bears to sign. Considering the amount of cap space they had prior to that signing, there seemed to be better fits than the aging Byard.
The Chicago Bears don’t need Byard to be the hero.
He wasn’t the All-Pro player he was a few years ago last season, but he wasn’t terrible. It is important to remember the guy was put into some difficult situations. Tennessee’s defense wasn’t all that great last year and clearly needs revamping. Philadelphia’s was even worse due in large part to a midseason change of coordinators. Byard never could’ve changed the fortunes of either team in those circumstances. The Bears are in a far better situation. Their head coach calls the shots, and he’s one of the best in the NFL. Better still, they have a defined role ready for the veteran.
He will play his natural free safety position, using his range and ball skills to maximum effect. On top of that, he will get to serve as a mentor to a young secondary. Remember, none of the other starters among the Chicago Bears defensive back group is over the age of 25. Byard is the perfect veteran leader they need to bring everything together. As to the money paid? It wasn’t that much more than the other safeties in this free agent class and it’s structured so the Bears can basically cut him after one season. The impact is minimal on their long-term books.