As the season ends in Chicago, the focus will be on whether the Bears can keep the core together that propelled the team to its first NFC North title since 2018.
One of the many key free agents is safety Kevin Byard, who led the NFL with seven interceptions – the second time in his career he’s led the league in picks. Byard said Monday that his “first choice” is to stay in Chicago, but noted that he could not predict the future.
“With the success we all had this season as a team, I think a lot of guys on this team are going to be in demand in this league, to be honest,” he said, via the Chicago Sun-Times . “And I think the same way the organization is always going to do what’s best for the team, I think I owe it to my family as well.”
A three-time Pro Bowler, Byard played a key role in Dennis Allen’s defense, having the range to cover coverage and the savvy and savvy to cover mistakes on the outside. Byard was named to the first team for the third time in his career.