Kevin Byard
30-Year-Old
2023 Defense Stats
TCKL
122
SACKS
0.0
INT
1
FF
0
TD
0
2024 Projections
2024 Fantasy Outlook
Byard served as the anchor of the Titans' secondary for the last six seasons, serving both as one of their most productive players as well as a leader of the team. After a somewhat tumultuous half-season with the Eagles, Byard signed a two-year deal with the Bears this offseason and will look to help the young defense take a step forward. He should return to his role as the center fielder of the defense and will form a formidable pairing with Jaquan Brisker on the back end of the secondary. Byard has topped 100 tackles in three of the last four seasons and has a history of causing turnovers. He should have at least a couple more years of elite production in the tank as he heads into his age-30 season. Read Past Outlooks
RANKS
Finds work in Chicago
Byard and the Bears agreed Sunday on a two-year, $15 million contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
In Chicago, Byard should settle in as the team's starting free safety as a replacement for Eddie Jackson, whom the Bears released in February. Between stops with the Titans and Eagles last season, Byard recorded a career-high 122 tackles in 16 games, but the historically ball-hawking defensive back recorded just two turnovers (one interception, one fumble recovery). Heading into his age-31 season in 2024, Byard's best years are most likely behind him, but his addition should still help bolster a Bears secondary that was often leaky in 2023.
In Chicago, Byard should settle in as the team's starting free safety as a replacement for Eddie Jackson, whom the Bears released in February. Between stops with the Titans and Eagles last season, Byard recorded a career-high 122 tackles in 16 games, but the historically ball-hawking defensive back recorded just two turnovers (one interception, one fumble recovery). Heading into his age-31 season in 2024, Byard's best years are most likely behind him, but his addition should still help bolster a Bears secondary that was often leaky in 2023.
NFL Stats
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2023 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
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2023 Kevin Byard Split Stats
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Visits Chicago on Friday
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Bears hosted Byard, who registered a career-high 122 tackles in 2023, on Friday.
ANALYSIS
The Eagles acquired Byard from the Titans near the trade deadline, but Philadelphia opted to release the safety March 1 in a move that saved the team $13 million in cap space. The Bears solidified their secondary by re-signing 2023 second-team All-Pro corner Jaylon Johnson to a four-year, $76 million extension Thursday. Adding a veteran safety like Byard could improve a Chicago defense that gave up 237.8 passing yards per game last season, which was eighth most in the NFL.
The Eagles acquired Byard from the Titans near the trade deadline, but Philadelphia opted to release the safety March 1 in a move that saved the team $13 million in cap space. The Bears solidified their secondary by re-signing 2023 second-team All-Pro corner Jaylon Johnson to a four-year, $76 million extension Thursday. Adding a veteran safety like Byard could improve a Chicago defense that gave up 237.8 passing yards per game last season, which was eighth most in the NFL.
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2016
Byard might be the most reliable defender in the league from a fantasy perspective. Since being drafted in the third round in 2016, he has yet to miss a game, and the last six seasons he's played more than 1,000 snaps every year while recording 84 to 111 tackles and snagging at least four interceptions five times. At some point that workload might catch up to him, but as yet there's been no signs that the foundation of the Titans' secondary is beginning to crack. As long as he's healthy, his role in Mike Vrabel's defense won't change.
More Fantasy News
Cut by Philadelphia
Philadelphia will release Byard on Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
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Records career-high 122 tackles
Byard finished the year with career highs in tackles (122) and solo tackles (80) in 16 regular-season games.
ANALYSIS
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Double-digit tackles in loss
Byard had 11 tackles (eight solo) in Sunday's 35-31 loss to the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
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Leading tackler vs. Bills
Byard recorded 13 tackles (nine solo) in Sunday's 37-34 overtime win versus Buffalo.
ANALYSIS
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Will suit up Sunday
Byard is active for Sunday's Week 8 contest against Washington.
ANALYSIS
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