The Chicago Bears are coming off a tough playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and with their season over, the gears are shifting towards the offseason.
While the Bears have some big decisions to make all across their roster, safety Kevin Byard III might be one of the biggest. He's a free agent and could sign elsewhere this offseason, barring the franchise tag being used, which is unlikely.
But, in a recent piece from Patrick Finley of The Chicago Sun-Times, Byard revealed some good news for Bears fans about his upcoming free agency. The standout Bears safety has the Bears as his "first option" in free agency.
Bears get good news on Kevin Byard III's free agency
"The 10-year veteran said there's a 'mutual interest' between him and the Bears' decision-makers to return on a free-agent deal," Finely writes. "Remaining a Bear, he said, is his 'first-option.'"
Byard coming back to Chicago would be ideal for the Bears. Their defense this season, despite a lackluster pass rush and some incredibly unfortunate linebacker injuries, was able to produce a lot of turnovers.
The three-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro led the NFL with seven interceptions this season. He also had eight passes defended, 93 total tackles, and four tackles for loss in one of the best seasons of his professional career.
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The 32-year-old safety will have plenty of suitors this offseason, and he plans to go to a winning team. The Bears, after their Divisional round appearance, are such a winning team.
With mutual interest from the Bears and Byard, and Byard's desire to stay in Chicago as his top choice this offseason, the odds of Byard coming back to Chicago aren't terrible.
This is some good news on Byard, as one of top safeties in the NFL wants to come back to Chicago despite being a free-agent.
If the Bears can clear some money elsewhere on the roster and are willing to spend on Byard, then the veteran safety seems likely to return to Chicago.
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