Now that the flurry of free agency activity has settled, it’s time to reflect on the moves made by the Chicago Bears during the past couple of weeks.
With significant cap space and pivotal decisions looming in the offseason, the Bears made some transactions that received widespread approval, while others left observers scratching their heads.
One move that raised eyebrows, particularly noted by ESPN, was the Bears’ signing of veteran safety Kevin Byard, which was deemed the “most head-scratching move” of free agency by a panel of experts.
“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.”
Critics of the decision, including commentators such as Jason Reid, Jordan Reid, and Jeremy Fowler, pointed out the plethora of available options in the safety market. Names like Kamren Curl, Justin Simmons, and Quandre Diggs were mentioned as potential alternatives that Chicago could have pursued.
Admittedly, Byard’s performance last season wasn’t stellar. After being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles mid-season, he failed to make the anticipated impact, unable to single-handedly remedy the team’s defensive struggles. However, a change of scenery could see him regain form in Chicago.
Nevertheless, at 31 years old, Byard’s age raises concerns about potential decline, despite his history of durability and availability throughout his career. While he’s been a two-time Pro Bowler, there’s a looming question of whether he can maintain that level of play for another year, which the Bears are surely banking on.
In essence, the Chicago Bears’ decision to sign Byard sparked debate among experts, with uncertainties surrounding both his recent performance and his future potential given his age. Only time will tell if this move pays off for Chicago.
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