Bears Safety Kevin Byard Hopes to Re-Sign Before Free Agency, Finish What They Started
The Chicago Bears' safety, Kevin Byard, is just a month away from free agency and hopes to re-sign with the team before hitting the open market. According to the player himself, he would rather not test the market and would be thrilled if the Bears can work out a new contract that keeps him on board.
Byard had an impressive season, leading the NFL in interceptions and earning his third Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections since joining the Bears last year. Despite being one of the team's oldest players, with the upcoming free agency period approaching at age 33, Byard is confident in his abilities. "Age is nothing but a number," he said. "It's all about how you feel. Looking at me on film, I turned the clock back. If you can ball, you can ball."
While general manager Ryan Poles hasn't made any promises yet, Byard is optimistic that the Bears will make an effort to re-sign him. He expressed hope that he would be a top priority for the team, but acknowledged that there are many decisions to be made on both sides.
Byard's teammate, cornerback Nahshon Wright, also faces uncertainty in the coming weeks as he hits free agency. However, Wright is in a stronger position, with market value projected at three years and $50 million. He expressed optimism about his situation, saying it was "definitely a good situation to be in."
In related news, center Drew Dalman re-signed with the Bears earlier this season after making his first Pro Bowl appearance last year. Meanwhile, left guard Joe Thuney will look to make it four consecutive selections at the Pro Bowl.
The Bears' pass rusher Tua Tagovailoa is not on the team list as he's still injured.
The Chicago Bears' safety, Kevin Byard, is just a month away from free agency and hopes to re-sign with the team before hitting the open market. According to the player himself, he would rather not test the market and would be thrilled if the Bears can work out a new contract that keeps him on board.
Byard had an impressive season, leading the NFL in interceptions and earning his third Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections since joining the Bears last year. Despite being one of the team's oldest players, with the upcoming free agency period approaching at age 33, Byard is confident in his abilities. "Age is nothing but a number," he said. "It's all about how you feel. Looking at me on film, I turned the clock back. If you can ball, you can ball."
While general manager Ryan Poles hasn't made any promises yet, Byard is optimistic that the Bears will make an effort to re-sign him. He expressed hope that he would be a top priority for the team, but acknowledged that there are many decisions to be made on both sides.
Byard's teammate, cornerback Nahshon Wright, also faces uncertainty in the coming weeks as he hits free agency. However, Wright is in a stronger position, with market value projected at three years and $50 million. He expressed optimism about his situation, saying it was "definitely a good situation to be in."
In related news, center Drew Dalman re-signed with the Bears earlier this season after making his first Pro Bowl appearance last year. Meanwhile, left guard Joe Thuney will look to make it four consecutive selections at the Pro Bowl.
The Bears' pass rusher Tua Tagovailoa is not on the team list as he's still injured.