LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Veteran safety Kevin Byard was a mainstay with the Titans for eight seasons before a 2023 trade to the Eagles started a new chapter in his career.
The move marked the end of Byard’s time in Tennessee and was also a dose of reality. On the proverbial wrong side of 30, Byard understood he could face frequent change for the remainder of his NFL career.
Byard, who will turn 32 in August, is now playing out the second season of a two-year contract with the Bears. He avoided being a salary cap-casualty release this offseason – which is always a looming possibility for a veteran player – but Byard knows this might be his last year in Chicago. He hopes that isn’t the case.
“I would love to be here,” Byard said. “I've loved being here over the last year. And obviously going forward for me, this thing is year-to-year. And honestly, it's probably going to be year-to-year until I'm done playing. Regardless of whatever kind of contract that I sign, this is always going to be a year-to-year. So, I put everything – my heart and my soul – into this year and into this team and into this group of guys. And then we'll revisit those things in the offseason.
“I would love to be here long term to finish my career with the Chicago Bears.”
A two-time All-Pro safety with the Titans, Byard has remained a productive player in this later stage of his career. He started all 17 games for the Bears in 2024, recording 130 tackles, five tackles for loss, an interception and a forced fumble.
Byard takes pride in the fact that he has never missed a game during his nine years in the NFL. The only time he didn't play a complete season was in 2023, when he was traded by the Titans to the Eagles and ended up having a bye with each team.
As reliable as they come, Byard still knows that nothing is guaranteed in the NFL.
“Every single year in this league is year-to-year,” Byard said. “I don’t care if everybody (is) a free agent. Honestly, even if you just signed a deal. If a team wants to get rid of you, they can get rid of you. If a team wants to keep you around, they’ll keep you around. Obviously, all the cap stuff (is a factor). But if a team wants you, you’ll be here.
“I’m grateful and I’m totally, truly blessed to be able to go into my 10th year in this league. That was always kind of my goal when I was a rookie, saying I want to play 10 years. But to be in this space and to still be playing well is truly a blessing.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.