The Green Bay Packers front office and coaching staff have a lot to think about as free agency approaches. Not only regarding their potential new acquisitions, but division rivals new additions as well. Unfortunately for them, they must figure out new ways to get the best of a two-time all-pro safety.
Chicago Bears Sign Kevin Byard
After hosting Byard on a visit just a few days prior, the Chicago Bears have signed the premier player to a two-year contract. A player the Green Bay Packers could have considered grabbing due to their lack of talent and depth at the safety position. Now off the market, Green Bay must worry about the new talent added to the division rivals’ roster.
Source: The #Bears are signing All-Pro S Kevin Byard to a 2-year deal worth $15M base.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2024
Kevin Byard had a subpar season by his standards in 2023. Allowing 47 completions in 59 targets, it appears he could be declining at the age of 30. He was a member of what can be considered one of the poorest secondary units in the NFL last season, as they allowed the second most receptions per game(only behind the Minnesota Vikings). Byard was the last line of defense for unacceptable cornerback play which can result in some poorer statistics for a safety.
Pro Football Focus had him graded at a respectable 74 on the 2023-24 season better than any safety that played substantial snaps for the Green Bay Packers. Earning All-Pro honors in 2017 and 2021, Kevin Byard has portrayed consistent elite defensive back play for years. Racking up 28 interceptions in his career, the talented safety has established himself as a talented back with high ball production.
After moving on from their aging star safety, Eddie Jackson, the Chicago Bears appear to look for an upgrade in the position with someone found to be more consistent as of late. With Byard playing over 1,000 snaps a season for the last six years, the Chicago Bears can rely on his health and consistency. Eddie Jackson has failed to play more than 800 in the previous three seasons.
With the Chicago Bears showing aggression in the open market, the Green Bay Packers will have to find ways to continue their dominance over the Bears in their head-to-head matchups.
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