The Chicago Bears have handed out multiple contract extensions this offseason, including to cornerback Kyler Gordon, linebacker T.J. Edwards and guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. But there are other players who could have a strong case for an extension, including veteran safety Kevin Byard.
Byard signed a two-year deal with Chicago last offseason, and he proved to be one of the more consistent defensive players as well as a leader during disastrous 2024 season. With his current deal coming to an end after this season, could Byard be the latest player to earn a reward from general manager Ryan Poles?
Byard said there hasn't been any conversation about a contract extension, but he made it clear he'd like to remain with the Bears. With that said, he understands at this point of his career it's going to be a year-to-year thing.
“For me personally, I would love to be here," Byard said. "I've loved being here over the last year and going forward. This thing is year-to-year and honestly, it's probably going to be year-to-year for the rest of my career until I'm done playing. Regardless of whatever kind of contract I signed, this is always going to be year-to-year. I put everything, my heart and my soul into this year, to this team, to this group of guys, and then we revisit those things in the offseason. I would love to be here long term, to finish my career with the Chicago Bears. That's all I'm focused on right now.”
Byard is entering his second season alongside Jaquan Brisker, who's also entering a contract year in the final season of his rookie deal. Both have plenty to prove if they're going to earn extensions -- namely for Brisker, staying healthy. But if both can prove their worth under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, we could be looking at another pair of deserving contract extensions.
