Kevin Byard rumors point to Bears re-sign attempt as Brisker hits free agency
Kevin byard has emerged as the Chicago Bears’ reported preference in a looming safety decision, with a report stating the team will attempt to re-sign Kevin Byard III over the weekend while letting Jaquan Brisker walk. The update lands as both safeties are set to hit free agency and Chicago weighs options in the secondary.
Jeremy Fowler points Bears toward Kevin Byard III over Jaquan Brisker
Jeremy Fowler wrote that his sense is the Bears “will attempt to re-sign Kevin Byard III over the weekend but will let Jaquan Brisker walk, ” framing the situation as a choice between the two safeties. That potential outcome would keep Byard, listed at 32 years old, while moving on from Brisker, listed at 26.
Byard is coming off his third All-Pro season and his third Pro Bowl season, after starting all 17 games and posting an NFL-best seven interceptions. He also recorded eight passes defended, 93 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a passer rating allowed of 98. 6.
Jaquan Brisker’s 17-start season compared with Byard’s seven interceptions
Brisker also started all 17 games, finishing with one interception and eight passes defended. His stat line included one sack, 93 tackles, one tackle for loss, and three quarterback hits, along with a 127. 6 passer rating allowed.
| Category | Kevin Byard III | Jaquan Brisker |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 32 | 26 |
| Games started | 17 | 17 |
| Interceptions | 7 | 1 |
| Passes defended | 8 | 8 |
| Tackles | 93 | 93 |
| Passer rating allowed | 98. 6 | 127. 6 |
Gilberto Manzano projects Bryan Cook at three years, $45 million
Gilberto Manzano named the Bears as a potential landing spot for Kansas City Chiefs free agent safety Bryan Cook and projected a contract of three years, $45 million, with the Bears and Steelers listed as potential destinations. Cook, a 2022 second-round pick, is described as having helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowls since being drafted.
Cook’s most recent season included nine passes defended, 85 tackles, and one tackle for loss, while he did not record an interception. The report also credited Cook with three career interceptions, with two listed as coming in 2023 and one listed as coming in 2023, and stated he had an interception in a Super Bowl.
The next confirmed milestone in the Byard-versus-Brisker decision is the “over the weekend” window tied to the reported plan to attempt a re-signing; if the Bears do not complete a deal for Kevin byard during that span, the club’s remaining options include proceeding with free agency targets such as Cook, whose projection sits at $45 million over three years.
