It’s easy to view the Chicago Bears as one of the biggest winners of the NFL offseason, so far.

After all, D’Andre Swift and Keenan Allen will be potentially game-altering weapons for likely rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams. Meanwhile, Matt Pryor and Coleman Shelton should fortify the offensive line.

Chicago Bears
Nov 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) throws during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
However, there was one move that general manager Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears made that is a bit perplexing.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler lists the Bears’ signing of veteran safety Kevin Byard as one of the NFL’s biggest ‘head-scratchers’ of free agency.

“Safety Kevin Byard to the Bears. Byard has had a great career,” Fowler writes. But, jumping out pre-free agency with $15 million over two years seemed impulsive, especially with Justin Simmons and Quandre Diggs still out there in an oversaturated safety market. For contrast, Kamren Curl, who is five years younger, signed for $8.75 million over two years, with upside to $12.75 million.”

Chicago Bears, Kevin Byard
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 20: Kevin Byard #31 of the Tennessee Titans gets the crowd cheering during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Chargers 23-20. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
How Much Does Kevin Byard Have Left to Offer Chicago Bears?
Byard is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career.

Perhaps the Chicago Bears believe a renaissance could be coming on 2024, especially playing alongside emerging star Jaquan Brisker, but the Byard signing carries some risk.

Before the Philadelphia Eagles released Kevin Byard just before free agency began, the 30-year-old finished the 2023 campaign with 122 total tackles and one interception, but was a relative nonfactor in a secondary that collapsed over the second half of the season.

The Chicago Bears are clearly prioritizing adding veteran experience and leadership, which Byard provides, but if he becomes a liability and frequent target in coverage, this move could wind up looking like a misstep for Poles.

Kevin Byard, Chicago Bears.
Kevin Byard signs with Chicago Bears.