The Chicago Bears entered the 2026 NFL offseason with a few key positions to address. Pass rusher is a big hole, as was linebacker and safety.
While they've not resolved the edge rusher spot, they have added a linebacker in Devin Bush and a safety in Coby Bryant. But, they still need another starting safety with both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker hitting free agency.
With a safety need, and both Byard and Brisker unsigned, the Bears had a chance to bring back a fan favorite for another year. But, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Byard is signing with the New England Patriots for $9 million. The Bears should have done that deal.
Bears made big mistake not re-signing Kevin Byard at price Patriots got him at
"Three-time Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard is signing with the Patriots on a one-year, $9 million deal, per sources," Pelissero reports.
Byard signing with the Patriots on a one-year deal worth just $9 million is something the Bears easily could've matched or beaten to re-sign him for next year.
While the addition of Bryant is nice, having Byard and Bryant in the same safety room wouldn't be a bad idea.
Instead, the Bears are letting Byard join the Patriots on a bargain contract for just one season at $9 million total.
More: Coby Bryant to sign with Bears on $40 million contract
Byard earned his third career All-Pro this past season by leading the NFL in interceptions with seven. That superstar defender is now off the Bears roster, and on a contract they could've matched.
It's a tough blow for the Bears, and a mistake that Ryan Poles should not have let happen. If Byard were to sign a larger deal, and not a bargain, then letting him walk wouldn't be the worst idea.
But, with the Bears passing on Byard at such a low price, Poles better have something up his sleeve at the safety position. Otherwise, this Byard deal is going to look very bad for the Bears as they try to plug the other safety spot this offseason.
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