How the Bears Turnover King Is Forcing His Way Into a New Deal
2025 has been a year full of surprises for Chicago. One of the most important has been the resurgence of Kevin Byard. He has always been a solid presence in the secondary. However, similar to many other Bears, his production declined last year, as he recorded only one interception. This continued his decrease, as the last time he had more than one interception in a season was 2022. This season, he has managed to flip the script and become the team's biggest defensive spark.
Chicago stands at the top of the league in takeaways. All season long, they have used interceptions to drive the team's momentum, and Byard plays a major role in this. The former 2016 third-round pick leads the league with six interceptions. It's already the second most he has recorded in a season, only behind his eight in 2017, which was recorded in Tennessee. Not only does he excel in turnovers, but he also provides a steady presence. He has 65 tackles on the year and has played in every game, which is crucial for a team that has struggled with injuries.
The only negative part about this performance is that Byard is set to test free agency. In fact, Chicago is set to lose both of their safeties this offseason. This makes the position a major priority. Byard is 32 years old, so while he may not be the long-term solution, he still should be a starting option for many years. If age is really the concern, then the Bears could consider signing him to a short-term deal and bringing in some younger players. That would allow them to learn under him while still gaining his quality of play. Regardless, bringing the star safety back is a necessity.
Finding a quality starting safety is not easy, and trying to find one like Byard is even harder. He is a perfect combination of what you could want. He can stay on the field, provide solid coverage, tackle well, and take the ball away. Beyond the on-field production, he brings much-needed veteran leadership. In a season defined by the growth and resilience of the team, the 10-year veteran represents that identity better than anyone. He has stepped up as a leader of the team, a fan favorite, and someone who has shown every reason why he should remain a Bear for years to come.
