The Chicago Bears continue to spend money on their secondary this offseason, as the team reportedly signed All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to a two-year contract.
Since Byard was released by the Philadelphia Eagles, he did not have to wait until the new league year began to sign a new contract.
The deal was first reported by CBS Sports. The deal is worth $15 million at base, NFL Network reported.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Kevin Byard of the Philadelphia Eagles faces Kadarius Toney of the Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Nov. 20, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Byard, 30, visited the Bears on Friday and seems to like what he sees with the organization, which has a place for him to start following the release of Eddie Jackson to save cap space.
Byard was released by the Eagles, who were also looking to reduce the salary cap, and safety has been a position across the league that appears to be undervalued as many teams are releasing top talent. Players like Xavier McKinney and Justin Simmons will be looking for new homes this week.
BEARS, JAYLON JOHNSON AGREE TO MASSIVE 4-YEAR EXTENSION AFTER BEING HIT WITH FRANCHISE TAG
But two-time first-team All-Pro Byard joins a Bears team that is clearly looking to use its massive cap space to compete in 2024.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles just gave cornerback Jaylon Johnson a long-term extension after an initial franchise tag. He signed a four-year contract worth $76 million with $54 million guaranteed.
Kevin Byard of the Tennessee Titans reacts after a third-down stop against the Los Angeles Chargers at Nissan Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Nashville. (Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
So the Poles have invested on defense with Byard, Johnson, Montez Sweat at edge rusher (four years, $98 million) and linebacker with Tremaine Edmunds (four years, $72 million).
Now, armed with more cap space and two Top 10 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, including first overall, the Poles are in position to make the Bears a more formidable group on paper next season.
Byard was traded to the Eagles from the Tennessee Titans in October. He finished the year with 122 combined tackles, one interception and three passes defended between the two teams.
Kevin Byard of the Tennessee Titans stands for the national anthem before the Miami Dolphins game at Nissan Stadium on January 2, 2022 in Nashville. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
His final All-Pro season came in 2021, where he had 88 tackles, one sack, five interceptions (one for a pick-six) and six passes defended for the Titans.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage in Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
